James R. Rome

James "Jim" R. Rome, 83, of Hutchinson, died December 13, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born January 10, 1942, in Victoria, Kansas, to Richard and Laurinda (Staab) Rome.

Jim worked as a mechanic his whole life. He worked at Belco, Ultra Van, and Collins Industries before becoming a self-employed mechanic. Jim's love of cars was evident. He could tell you anything and everything about any car. He enjoyed welding, body work, and during his tenure at Collins, he designed and fabricated stretch limos and ambulances. Jim loved to watch NASCAR and go to Las Vegas and casinos with his family and close friends. He always had a smile and a dollar for every child he ran into. Jim poured his heart into the specially requested meals he made, showing his family how much he cared for them. Above all else, he loved his family and God.

Jim was an active member of St. Teresa Catholic Church.

On August 12, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Geraldine (Geri) Urban in Pfeifer, Kansas. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage before his death. He often stated she was the best thing that had ever happened to him and what a lucky man he was to have her as his wife.

Jim is survived by his: beloved wife, Geraldine (Geri) Rome of Hutchinson; children, Michelle Miller, Marla (Troy) Parsons, Mitchell (Laura) Rome, all of Hutchinson, and Melinda (Dr. Richard) DeSplinter of Andover; 12 adored grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Verma Sommer of Lawrence, Roseann Pfannestiel of Hays, and William Rome of Moundridge; brother-in-law, Jerry (Rhoda) Urban of Victoria; sister-in-law, Darlene Schumacher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sons-in-law, Gary Miller and Jay Wedel.

Parish Rosary will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E 5th Ave, Hutchinson, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at the church, both officiated by Father Matthew Marney. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Christian Soup Ministries or St. Teresa's Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.