James Nelson "Jim" McAtee

James Nelson "Jim" McAtee, 73, of Wellington, Kansas, passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 73.

Jim was born on December 11, 1952, in Manhattan, KS to A.N. McAtee and Helen Virginia Yates McAtee.

Jim was the hardest working man many of us ever knew. He was a lifelong welder, fabricator, and metal worker. He could literally fix anything put in front of him. If something was broken, you brought it to Jim and it came back better than before. His hands built more than metal; they built memories. Jim lived for his family. If he wasn't working or sitting in the stands at his grandkids' games, he was in his shop building something. He refurbished bikes, not only for his grandkids, but any neighborhood child who needed one. Seeing kids ride something he built brought him pure joy. He was

a proud Harley-Davidson fanatic who loved everything about motorcycles – the sound, the freedom, the craftsmanship. He never missed the annual Toys for Tots motorcycle run.

His love for Kansas State University was well-known. He loved working with his hands. He loved giving. A selfless man who always put others before himself, Jim filled every room with laughter, music and warmth. He was a regular attendee at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, Kansas. He could often be found playing his guitar and singing folk and bluegrass music, bringing smiles to everyone around him. He was

always there. He showed up. He stepped up. Every grandchild knew they could count on Papa. His love was steady, dependable, and constant.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia McAtee of Wellington, KS; Daughter, Jadrian (Bobby) Hester of Marysville, KS, son, Kenny Etter (Brandy) of Wellington, KS; grandchildren: Jonathan Etter of Tampa, FL; Hunter Etter (Rylee) of Wichita, KS; Authum Hester of Marysville, KS; Bailey Etter of Wellington, KS; Austin Cotton of Clearwater, KS; great- grandchildren: Elliott Etter of Wellington, KS; Violet Etter of Wichita, KS; Colby Hester of Marysville, KS; Archer Etter of Wichita, KS; sisters: Kathy Pittman of Cottonwood Falls, KS; Betsy (Doug) Corder of Johnstown, CO; Susan (Brian) Richards of Olathe, KS along with numerous other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.N. and Helen McAtee; and grandson, Aaron Hester.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name and loving memory to Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, located at 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas, 67152. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Wellington, KS.

We invite you to leave a memory, leave condolences, or sign Jim's digital tribute wall at

www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.