James Robert Bryant

James Robert Bryant, 71 passed away February 26, 2026, peacefully at his home in Valley Center. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Herington, Kansas on April 29, 1954, to Owen and Loretta (Thompson) Bryant. James attended Herington schools and graduated in 1972. He enlisted in the United States Airforce and served four years of active duty. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart on January 24, 1973. Shortly after, he was deployed to Taipei, Taiwan as an Air Traffic Controller. Deborah joined and their journey began. Jim was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona. He completed his associates degree from Glendale Community College. James and Deborah moved to Wichita, where James attended Wichita State University. He obtained a dual degree in 1981. Because education was important to him, he completed his MBA in 2003.

James, alongside his wife, owned and operated Heartland Distribution in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Prior to owning Heartland, he worked for Walters Kluwer as Executive Vice-President of CCH Prosystem/FX Tax Software Development Group.

James enjoyed traveling, photography, being outdoors and seeking new adventures. He liked to play tennis, backgammon, chess and a good game of spades. He followed KU basketball, especially during the Final Four. But, most of all loved his beloved Chiefs. Above all, he loved his family and friends. He was proud of his children and his grandchildren. He never failed to show them how much.

James is preceded in death by his parents Owen and Loretta Bryant, and his brother Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Deborah of Valley Center; a daughter Heidi (Jon) Bennett of Rosehill, KS and their children Dawson (Megan), Makayla and Naia: his son Matthieu (Rene) Bryant of Bel Aire, KS and their children Shaelyn, Kyle, Jakob and Xander; a sister Pat Schneider (Galen) of Herington, KS; a brother Steve (Jan) Bryant of Wichita, KS and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Pathway Church.

A memorial has been established with: Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219; and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.