James Sydney “Jim” Emerson, of Wellington, Kansas, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 79.
He was born the son of Burt Y. “Junior” and Marjorie (Hooper) Emerson on October 9, 1942 in Wellington, Kansas. Following high school, Jim attended Kansas State University but left college to join the United States Coast Guard. Following four years of service, he returned to college at Wichita State University. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to begin working for the railroad. Jim took the job and eventually retired as an engineer from the BNSF Railroad following a 42 year career spent mainly in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Following retirement, he was able to spend more time with his family and enjoyed his passion of collecting and restoring model trains of all sizes.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Emerson of Tonkawa, Oklahoma; daughter, Jayme Lowe and husband Kevin of Wellington, Kansas; daughter, Jessica Kreiner and husband Matthew of Ft. Worth, Texas, grandchildren: Meredith Lee and husband Shawn, Lauren Heuston and husband Kiefer, Mitchell Lowe, Jace Lowe, Abby Lowe, Derrick Lowe and Cameron Kreiner, great-grandchildren: Preston Lee, Maycee Lee, Madden Murray and Maverick Heuston along with his nieces: Natalie Emerson, Heather Billings and Lindsay Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Emerson; fiancé, Ann Zech-Barnes and greatgrandson, Parker Lee.
A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, Monday, February 21, 2022 with the family present to receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services for Jim will begin at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, Wellington, Kansas. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington, Kansas.
Memorial contributions can be given in his name to the Avenue of Flags or the Wellington Masonic Lodge No. 150 AF&AM. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.
Share a memory, leave condolences or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas.
