Jimmie “Jim” Lee Ehrlich, 85, of Wilson, KS, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS. He was born on May 14, 1939, in Susank, KS to Julius and Eunice (Steinle) Ehrlich. He married LaNita Thompson on March 11, 1965, in Salina, and together they were blessed with four sons: Rob, Monty, Cliff, and Cody.
Jim grew up in Claflin, Kansas and attended Claflin High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Machinist’s Mate. Throughout his life, Jim had a varied and successful career, working as the Vice President for Ehrlich Drilling Company and was owner/operator of A-1 Radiator and J&L Trucking both based in Wilson. He also served as a general maintenance and repair technician for the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. Jim was a board member of the Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative. He was proud to be a licensed private pilot.
A man of many interests and commitments, Jim was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Master Mason with the Freemasons, a Shriner with Iris Temple, and a member of the American Legion. His dedication to family, community, and country was reflected in all that he did.
Jim is survived by his wife, LaNita of the home in Wilson; sons, Rob (Kristy) Ehrlich of Tulsa, Monty (Susie) Ehrlich of Topeka, Cliff (Michelle) Ehrlich of Topeka, and Cody Ehrlich of Salina; sisters-in-law, Annie Ehrlich of Haven, KS, and Vera Ehrlich of Wilson; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Eunice Ehrlich, and brothers, Darrell and Tom Ehrlich.
Jim’s presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church – Wilson or Wilson United Methodist Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com