James "Jim" William Becker, 83, passed away on August 25, 2024 at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS.
On December 18th,1940 a son, James "Jim" Willam Becker was born to Earl and Estalla Becker of Minneapolis, Ks. Jim was the 7th child in the family of 6 sons & 4 daughters. Jim attended Assaria, Ks. Grade school leaving after the 8th grade to work for farmers. Soon he was working in the construction field. He operated the heavy equipment, was a mechanic working for several companies in Salina. He retired from Busboom & Rauh as shop Foreman.
In 1964, while driving up and down Santa Fe he met the love of his life, Rita. After many trips to Indiana & lots of long distance phone calls, Rita returned to Salina and they were married Dec. 12,1964.To this union a son, Brian was born and 2 yrs later a daughter, Barbara, was born.
In the years of working for BJ Frick we traveled to El Paso, Texas to bring back a dump truck for the company. We also traveled to Colorado & put cement barriers around ski lift towers. Who would of thought when we traveled to Pittsburg, Ks. to work on the college, that some day a granddaughter would graduate from that college.
Granddaughters soon joined the family followed by a grandson. All being the light of Jim’s life. When the great granddaughter was born, she filled his heart with so much love it ran over!!
Jim and Rita would have celebrated 60 yrs of marriage on Dec. 12th of this year. And they said back in 1964, the marriage would never last. Hà Ha.
The majority of Jim’s cooking skills was the lip-smacking year round homemade ice cream, never needing an excuse to whip up a batch. When Christmas he could be found stirring up a couple baches of smooth, mouthwatering fudge. If anyone knows Jim Becker, one batch would be peanut butter. Here’s hoping Jim doesn’t make all the angels to fat to fly!
Jim’s hobbies included The Assaria Saddle Club, tinkering with small engines or really anything with wheels. He was a founding member of Ks. Tractor Club and a member of the Fly Wheels of Salina.
You could find him in most parades on his 420 John Deere, or in a buggy pulled by a horse he trained to ride & drive.
A man of many talents but more important a man loved by many.
Rest in peace loved one. You are missed & you will always be loved & never forgotten.
James was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers: Bob Becker, John Becker, Jerry Becker, Dick Becker, Sisters: Virginia Gross, Dorothy Johnson, Carolyn Hahn, Sister-in-Law's: Sherri Becker, Judy Becker, Elaine Becker and Connie Becker.
James is survived by Wife: Rita Mae Becker (Burton); Son: Brian Becker and spouse Valerie, Daughter: Barbara Becker Clark; Grandchildren: Kelsey Schenk and spouse Joe, Kyleigh Becker and Trace Clark, Great-Granddaughter: Ellie Metzinger; Sister: Lena Sims; Brother: Fred Becker.
Friends and family will be received Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford Salina, KS 67401. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 AM at Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel in Salina, KS. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kansas Tractor Club Scholarship Fund in c/o Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services; 1920 E. Crawford, Salina, KS 67401.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences can be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.