James Leon Picht, age 90, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, June 30th, 2020, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott. He was born February 8, 1930, in Hiattville, KS, the son of Glen Picht and Martha Payne Picht. Jim attended school in Ft. Scott K-12 and then Fort Scott junior College, and then he attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, KS. Jim served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War.

He then started his career in teaching. He served the Davenport, IA, school system for forty years as a teacher, then principal, retiring in 1995. Jim married Joan Beck in 1958 in Davenport, IA, where they were members of St. John’s United Methodist Church. Jim returned to Ft. Scott in November 2018 and attended St. John’s United Methodist Church there. 

Survivors include two granddaughters, Rachel Myers, and Rebekah Myers; and son-in-law Rev. Ron Myers. Also surviving are cousins, a nephew, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joan; a daughter, Rev. Linda Myers; a son, David Picht; and a brother Don Picht. 

There was cremation. Private inurnment will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Memorial services will be held at a later to be announced date at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Ft. Scott. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.