James Hampton Stark

James (Jim) Hampton Stark, son of Fremont and Elizabeth (Grubbs) Stark was born on March 16, 1950, in Coffeyville, Kansas, and passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, on March 23, 2025, at the age of 75 years.
Jim grew up in the small town of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, with his parents and two older sisters, Shirley and Pat. His sisters rarely called him by name and instead affectionately called him "Little Brother," and still do to this day. Following high school graduation, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Regina Gilman in June 1968. Jim shared a special bond and friendship with his sister-in-law and her husband, Mary and Louie Debo, and greatly enjoyed spending many weekends on the farm with them. Together, Jim and Regina attended college at Panhandle State in Goodwell, Oklahoma. In 1973, Jim and Regina welcomed their first daughter, Jamie. The family moved to Garden City, Kansas, and added another daughter, Amanda, and a son, Jeremiah, to their family. In 1979, Jim and Regina moved to Lenora, Kansas, purchasing and operating a meat locker plant for many years. Jim was a hard worker who enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships of his co-workers, working at the Lenora Coop, Norton Shop and Save, Country General, and most recently as a CNA at the Andbe Home. Jim especially loved working at the Andbe home and caring for the residents.
Jim enjoyed being active in his community, a member of the United Parish of Lenora, a Mason for over 50 years, a member of the NRA, and a board member for the Oronoque Cemetery. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who spent his free time over the years riding horses, hunting, fishing, and gardening. In 1997, Jim and Regina moved to the old township of Oronoque, Kansas, population two, Regina was the mayor and Jim was the dog catcher. From their home he was able to enjoy all of his hobbies that brought him so much joy, he truly loved it there. Jim loved his family dearly and was very proud of each of them, the only thing that may have ranked higher than his children and grandchildren may have been his dogs, which were his constant companions.
Survivors include his wife, Regina, and his children Jamie (Galen) Wentz and Jeremiah (Alisha) Stark, all of Norton, Kansas. Jim was blessed with five grandsons and five great-grandchildren who also survive him, Wyatt (Sophie) Wentz and children Paisley and Harper of Leoti, KS; Quentin (Savanah) Wentz and children Lee, Waylon, and Maisie (arriving soon) of Norcatur, KS; Bryndon Wentz of Norcatur, KS; and Avery and Parker Stark of Norton, KS. Jim is also survived by his sister Pat Stark of Coffeyville, KS; his in-laws Mary and Louie Debo of Vinita, OK; along with other extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Amanda, and two sisters Shelba Stark and Shirley Brinkman.
Graveside services and inurnment will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Oronoque Cemetery. There will be a reception for family and friends at the Norton County 4-H Building at 3:00 pm following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Stark Memorial Fund, to be distributed at a later date, sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com