James Nicholas "Nick" "Nick" Roark

James Nicholas "Nick" "Nick" Roark obituary

James Nicholas "Nick" "Nick" Roark

James Roark Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Core Cremation - Wichita on Aug. 9, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

James Nicholas Roark (Nick) was born in Wichita on April 11th, 1945, to Jean and Miriam Roark. He passed away on August 6th, 2025.

Nick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Roark, his siblings Bobbie Jean Miller and Dale Roark, and his children Shaun Roark, Heather McKim, and Jill Roark. He will also be missed by his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Terry.

Nick earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from Wichita State University. He worked as a metallurgist and held the role of President at Arrow Laboratory, Inc.

Nick was active for many years in the choir and as a youth group leader at Woodland United Methodist Church. He avidly worked with his hands, building furniture, the family house and barn, model airplanes, and a garden railroad. He loved music and played the trumpet, guitar, and piano up until his last days. He also loved animals, riding bicycles, and spending time in nature.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 11th at 2 pm at Woodland United Methodist Church, 1100 W 15th St N, Wichita, KS 67203. Contributions in Nick's name can be made to the Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative, redbudtrail.org/donate-today.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Roark's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 10, 2025

Ted Ayres posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2025

Phil Bogner posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2025

Jessica Cochran posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Ted Ayres

August 10, 2025

Heather and family...

Losing a parent is one of life's most difficult transitions. May warm and positive memories help sustain and comfort you during this difficult time.

Marcia and Ted Ayres, Wichita, Kansas

Phil Bogner

August 10, 2025

Our Leave it to Beaver neighborhood was anchored by Miriam and Jean and my parents. Nick(y), Bobbie Jean, Terry and Dale were co-conspirators with my brothers and I. What great fun day-time, night-time and firefly memories that lasted for many years. When we weren´t at one another´s houses, in in our combined yard...chances are good that we were at Woodland church.
RIP, my long-ago buddy! Phil Bogner

Jessica Cochran

August 10, 2025

Uncle Nick was a quiet spirit with a lovely soul. Always the handyman (I still vividly remember the set of bunkbeds he made that my sister and I slept in for years!), he was always tinkering with something or another. Never met a cat or dog he didn´t love and was always the one playing with little kids instead of sitting at the adult table. He was smart, witty, and loved his trains. I remember going on many bike rides with him, Bonnie, and my parents. Thanks for all the Mcdonalds trips when I was little - "salt on the pepper, pepper on the salt!"

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Core Cremation - Wichita

5025 East Kellogg Avenue, Wichita, KS 67218

Make a Donation
in James Roark's name

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Roark's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Roark's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 10, 2025

Ted Ayres posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2025

Phil Bogner posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2025

Jessica Cochran posted to the memorial.