James Edward Gift

James Edward Gift was promoted to heavenly glory on March 10, 2025. He was born in Utica, Kansas on January 21, 1937, to Francis H. & Thelma M. (Baldwin) Gift. His father taught school for short stints in Cottonwood Falls, Garden City, and eventually settled in Rexford, Kansas. Jim was often called "Jimmy" before leaving home for college. Jim was raised in Rexford through High School. He played high school basketball and American Legion baseball. He spent several summers in his earlier years at his grandparent's farm in Fort Scott, KS. Summers, during his Senior High days, Jim worked at Foster Farms in Rexford. After high school graduation, Jim was accepted to Wheaton College (IL). After one year, Jim transferred to Sterling College (Sterling, KS) where he began dating a missionary kid named Charlotte Wilkens. He knew she was the right one when his grades improved. He started serving in Youth for Christ (YFC), raising his own financial support.
Upon graduating in 1960 Jim continued full-time with YFC in the Hutchinson area, while working road construction in the summer months. On May 22, 1961, the same day Charlotte graduated from Sterling, the couple was united in marriage at Sterling Evangelical Mennonite Church and took up residence in Hutchinson that fall. In May of 1962, daughter Lydia Ruth was born. In 1963, the young family moved to Siloam Springs, AR for a Jim's new appointment as director of YFC in the area. Daughter number two, Dorcas Anna, was born in January of 1964.
When some of his support in Siloam Springs fell through, Jim took another YFC position in Fresno, CA in 1964. In May of 1965 their son Nathan Andrew was born. Shortly thereafter, Jim was hired as director of YFC in Tulare/Kings County, moving to Visalia, CA where they would live for 59 years. After 15 years total in YFC, the family knelt around the coffee table and prayed about the next chapter. He told the Lord, "If I can't make it in ministry financially, then I'm going to earn a good salary so I can support other people in ministry." Jim spent the next 25 years as a member of the sales team at Josten's American Yearbook Company earning numerous sales awards.
After retirement, Jim was trained to become a Dave Ramsey Financial Coach. He picked up the mantle of ministry again, helping families become financially fit. In the early 2020's Jim's mobility began to suffer. In 2023 he and Charlotte moved back to their home state of Kansas.
Jim was saved by God's grace. He lived his life focused on Jesus Christ, his wife, family, and the Church. Jim attended almost all his kids' performances, sporting events, and many of the major life events of family. He served all his life as an active lay leader in the church in multiple capacities. He often said, "I've done everything in church except play the piano." He loved teaching bible lessons and financial wellness classes. Many people have commented over the years how he had influenced their lives toward faith in Christ. Jim was a longtime member of Kiwanis. Arabian horses held a special place in his heart for over 30 years. He served on the Region 2 Board for the Arabian Horse Association, and the Arabian Horse Association of San Joaquin Valley (CA).
James was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cara Lea Sickles, and his son-in-law Jeffrey Arthur Fikejs. He is survived by his wife Charlotte of over 63 years, his brother David A. Gift, daughters Lydia Sills (Scott), Dorcas Fikejs, and son Nathan Gift (Cherylen), nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two nephews, one niece.
A celebration of life will be held at 10am on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, KS with Pastor Brent Warkentin officiating. Services will be live streamed and available for viewing through the church's website and by clicking the "Watch Now" button below. A committal service will immediately follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, KS. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be given to Sterling College, Advancement Office, 125 West Cooper, Sterling, Kansas 67579, Ridgepoint Church, 8000 West 21st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67205, or Full Sail Ministries, P. O. Box 1774, Visalia, California 93279. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.