James “Jim” Edmund Gerteis, age 77, of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away on January 13th, 2022. Jim was born in Wichita Kansas on July 23rd, 1944, to Jeremiah and Florence Gerteis. He graduated from Wichita East High School (1962) and continued his education at Friends University in Wichita. He joined the Air Force, October 11th, 1966, serving in Germany as a radar technician and was honorably discharged July 18th,1972. Jim married Terry Renee Beasley on July 13th 1974. They were married for 47 loving years. Jim owned and operated Advanced Electronics, fixing and installing household electronic appliances. In 1989, Jim continued his career at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott as a Bio-Med Technician for more than 25 years.
He was responsible for keeping all medical technology operating. Jim enjoyed singing in the men’s barbershop quartet and helping those in need with his skills/talents. Most importantly, Jim was an active member of the Church of Christ. His life’s mission was to fulfill Paul’s command in Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” He shared his love with all and taught the gospel to those who would listen, opening his home to many.
Jim is survived by his wife Terry Renee Gerteis; daughters Maresa Ledford (David) of Columbia, Tennessee, and Rachel Dial (Tim) of Topeka; grandson Joseph Ledford and granddaughters Cana and Camille Ledford, and Cameryn and Carsyn Dial; brothers Robert (Ann)Gerteis and Charles Gerteis; nephews Steve and Mark Gerteis. Jim was a brother, father, uncle, and grandfather to many, not by blood, but by the rare love he had in his heart for others.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PMFriday,January28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at The Fort Scott National Cemetery at 1:30.Open visitation will be held before the service at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Care to Share and left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, POBox347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
