James William “Jim” Rhaesa, 91, died July 28, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born July 14, 1932, in Detroit, MI, to James Robert and Eleanor Elise (Ironside) Rhaesa.
Jim graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, Wayne, MI, in 1951, Sterling College in 1955, and received his Master’s Degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1958. He served in the ministry for over 60 years. As a Presbyterian Pastor, Jim served churches in Denison, Lincoln, Jetmore, Salina, and Overland Park. In addition, he served as the camp director for Heartland Presbyterian Center. After retirement, Jim joined the team at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson where he served as Pastor of Congregational Care and sang in the Chancel Choir.
He truly loved the ministry, and his congregations loved him with his gifted listening skills and ability to truly care about people. After he fully retired, Jim thrived on staying busy running errands, working in the yard, and enjoying his morning coffee.
On November 1, 1980, he married Barbara Darlene (Seward) Anshutz, in Leavenworth.
Jim is survived by: his wife of almost 43 years, Barbara Rhaesa of Hutchinson; children, Jim Rhaesa (Tina) of Evans, GA, Beth Stevens (Sam) of Aurora, CO, David Rhaesa (Rebecca) of Salina, Lesa Brown (Andy) of Colorado Springs, CO, Katie Wadsworth (Nathan) of Wichita, and Megan Rhaesa of Hutchinson; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Eleanor Thompson.
He was preceded in death by five siblings and his former wife, Carol.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverends Michael Tomson-DeGreeff and Kim Biery officiating. Private family inurnment will take place in the church columbarium. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
After attending church camp while in high school, Jim felt the calling to enter the ministry. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson or Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina, (both to benefit those attending church camps), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.