James William "Jim" Billings

James William "Jim" Billings, 90, Valley Falls, KS died Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Homestead Assisted Living in Topeka, KS with his daughters, grandkids & great grandkids surrounding him with love. Jim was born in Kansas City, MO on June 6,1935 to James John "J.J." Billings and Mabel Alice Garhart. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1953. He was in the army from 1954 – 1956 stationed in Alaska. On November 27,1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jean "Dottie" Cummings. He played football at Emporia State University for one year. He graduated from Pittsburg State University with a business degree.

He worked as owner/operator of Billings Oil Company, a full-service station & fuel delivery and stock market trading. He was a member of United Methodist Church, Valley Falls. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He belonged to Lions & Rotary clubs and was a guide to local Boy Scouts on a fishing trip to Canada. He was an avid hunter & fisherman, golfer, and traveled to many states prospecting for gold. He always enjoyed any competition, playing cards, shooting craps or games with family. After retirement, Jim & Dottie enjoyed RV traveling and adventures. Jim was known for living life to the fullest & loving his family in a big, fun way. The love & care he always showed for Dottie especially in the later years of her life was a beautiful example for us all.

He is survived by his sister Sara Jane Blubaugh, Sacramento, California and his five daughters: Brenda Billings, Valley Falls; Baretta Schmeissner (Chris), Valley Falls; Barb Murphree (David) Valley Falls; Jamie Billings, Mission, KS; Jeanie Frakes (Rick), Valley Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He loved & enjoyed his 13 grandchildren: James Hicks (Jenny), Lisa Hicks, Leah Jimerson (Elijah), Andrea Manuel (Da'Von), Noah Schmeissner, Miles Murphree, Cole Murphree, Tyler Dismang, Tiffany Dismang, Jessie Frakes (A.J.), Wilder Frakes, Rachel VanHoutan (Dalton), John Frakes and 5 great grandchildren: Judah, Laniyah, Aviannah, Everette & Mazie.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at United Methodist Church in Valley Falls, KS. Burial with Military Honors conducted by Grahem-Herbers Post 3084 will follow at the Valley Falls Farrar Cemetery in Valley Falls, KS. Family will greet friends Friday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Valley Falls c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.