James Edgar Wann

1935 - 2024

James Edgar Wann

August 16, 1935 - November 4, 2024

Lenexa, Kansas - James Edgar Wann, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. Jim was born in Bonne Terre, MO, growing up near Doe Run, MO. Jim, a life-long learner and theologian, received his associate degree from Mineral Area College, his bachelor's degree from Mid-American Christian University, his master's degree from Anderson University School of Theology, and his doctorate degree from St. Paul's School of Theology. Jim served three years in the United States Army as a chaplain's assistant in Germany.

An ordained minister in the American Baptist Church, Jim served as the pastor of churches in both Nebraska and Indiana. Jim taught as an adjunct faculty member at Central Baptist Seminary. Jim was a long-time member of Village Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and in many of their mission activities related to poverty programs. Jim loved the Church and participating in biblical studies.

Jim worked as a Kansas State Social Services Administrator for 36 years, finishing his career in social service as a regional director for SRS. Additionally, he served as the interim State Director of the Kansas Services for the blind. Jim was frequently recognized for his dedication to social services, and was named the 1999 outstanding person of the year for the Kansas Conference on Social Welfare.

Jim was a member of the minor home repair team for the Front Porch Alliance for 20 years, a team of individuals who helped low income and senior citizens by doing small home repairs. Additionally, he participated in all six teams sent from Village Presbyterian Church to help rehabilitate lives in the New Orleans area devastated by hurricane Katrina. Jim was a friend of the poor and worked to improve their lives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mildred Wann, and his brother Charlie Wann. He is survived by his sister Margie Hensley, his wife Joyce Wann, and their three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Sherry Wann, Dan and Michelle Wann, and Brian and Stephanie Wann. Jim was adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who knew him simply as "Pawpaw". He cherished every moment with them. Jim is survived by his grandchildren Emily Wann and her husband Jake Williams, Matthew Wann, Eric Wann, Kevin Wann, Jacob Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Corey Wann, David Wann, Brooke Carr, and Blake Lafon. Jim is survived by his great grandchildren Thora Williams, Lillian Cain, Dayten Carr, Presley Carr, Brinley Lafon, Gracelyn Carr, Bexley Lafon, and Bethany Lafon.

Friends are invited to join family members for a Celebration of Life for Jim on Saturday November 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Village Presbyterian Church main sanctuary, located at 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Village Presbyterian Church.