James M. Tapley Sr

James (Jay) M. Tapley, Sr., 80, Emporia, Kansas passed away at the VA Hospital, Topeka, Kansas on January 14, 2012. Mr. Tapley was born to Bascom B. and Katie (Ellis) Tapley on November 9, 1931 in Kite, Georgia. He married June Ann Kaul on Sept. 20, 1958. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2002. They were married 43 years. Mr. Tapley served his country as a Sgt. in the United States Army from 1949 to 1963. He then worked for General Foods and Quaker Oats, where he retired in 1993. He was a member of the AF & AM of Kansas Grand Lodge #20 in Circleville, Kansas. He was a member of the Arab Shrine Temple AAONMS in Topeka, Kansas. He was a member of Rawhiders, Lifelong member of the American Legion Post #5 and a Lifelong member of the VFW where he was a Past Commander of Post #1367 in Holton, Kansas. He is survived by his companion and caregiver, Betty Birchmeier of Emporia, Kansas; Son(s): James M. Tapley, Jr. and wife Janis of Holton, Kansas; Sister(s): Jackie Snell of Wrightsville, Georgia; Grandson, Steven Tapley of Holton, Kansas and two great-grandchildren, Seth and Spencer Tapley. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kathryn Ann Tapley; sisters, Maudie Powell, Juanita Claxton, Eloise Tapley; wife June Ann (Kaol) Tapley. The family will receive friends on Thursday January 19, 2012 from 9:00 - 10:00 am with a Memorial Service following at 10:00 am at Charter Funerals, 501 W. 6th Avenue, Emporia, KS 66801. Pastor Tom Miller will officiate. Inurnment will be at 2:00 pm, Thursday January 19, 2012 at Holton Cemetery. Memorial contributions designated to Disabled Veterans and the Shriners may be sent in care of Charter Funerals, 501 W. 6th Avenue, Emporia, Kansas 66801. Cremation has taken place. Condolences may be sent online at www.charterfunerals.com