James R. "Jim" Bortz, age 75, died August 20, 2013 at his home in Claflin, Kansas. He was born at Rural Claflin, Kansas on December 13, 1937 the son of Walter and Nellie (Stevenson) Bortz. A lifelong Claflin, Kansas resident, Jim graduated from Claflin High School. He worked for DS&W for forty-five years as the #1 backhoe operator. He was raised in the Methodist church. Jim enjoyed woodworking, tinkering with cars, deep sea fishing, making homemade ice cream and chocolate. He married Darlene Munsch Leiker on July 9, 1994 at Claflin, Kansas. Survivors include his wife Darlen Bortz of the home; five sons: Kevin Leiker and his wife Janice of Beaver, Kansas, Kory Leiker and his wife Casey of Newton, Iowa, Gregg Bortz of Wichita, Kansas, Eric Bortz and his wife Shannon of Raleigh, North Carolina, Aaron Bortz and his wife Elsie of Raleigh, North Carolina; three daughters: Rene' Doherty and her husband Jim of Salina, Kansas, Raelyn Warren of Great Bend, Kansas, Wendy Nairn and her husband Mike of Great Bend, Kansas; one sister: Nancy Stevens of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Lee Bortz, Barry Bortz and one granddaughter, Kerra Fritschen. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2013 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, Kansas with Pastor Gene Langhofer and Sister Andre Kravel officiating. Burial will follow at Claflin Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or St. Rose Foundation for the benefit of the Heartland Cancer Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544.