James Andrew "Jim" Roat, 71, died December 6, 2008 at his home. He was born May 12, 1937 at New Albany, Kansas, the son of Gilford Glen and Florence May (Russell) Roat. He graduated from Fredonia (Kansas) High School in 1955. Following graduation, he joined the United States Army serving in the Eighth Division, Thirteenth Infantry and was honorably discharged in May 1957. He then joined the National Guard, serving until 1963. He met Doris Verlea Lemon February 20, 1959 and after a short month they married March 24, 1959 at Roby, Texas. He worked for many years for Ritchie Brothers, Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Great Bend, Kansas, to manage the truck and maintenance shop for Thies Packing Company. He was the founder of R & S Repair and R & S Transport. Lately he was employed by Van Wyk, Inc. Mr. Roat was a company man, devoting his life to his work and his family. He liked to hike in the mountains in old mine tailings looking for gold. He enjoyed traveling, old country western music, history, and camping. He did not care much for fishing, but liked to watch his grandchildren fish. Mr. Roat was a Fox News addict and enjoyed living in the country with his family and his dogs. Survivors include his wife, Doris Roat, of the home; one daughter, Diane Roat, of the home; two sons, Jimmy Roat, Garden City, Kansas; and David Roat, Hoisington, Kansas; four granddaughters: Kristin, DJ, Chelsey, and Kayla; four grandsons: Jesse, Tyler, Trenton, and Nick; one great-grandson, Preston Roat; two sisters: May Shinkle and husband, Larry, Wichita, Kansas; and Marie Starmer, Wichita, Kansas; two brothers: Arlin "Bud" Roat, and wife, Lois, Wichita, Kansas; Eugene "Butch" Roat and wife, Karen, Edmond, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Darin Roat; one grandson, Travis Roat; a brother, Billy Roat; his mother-in-law, "Mom"; and one brother-in-law, Garry Starmer. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Joiner officiating. Burial will be in Hoisington Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2008 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are requested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice; CKMC Foundation for the benefit of the Heartland Cancer Center or the Donor's Choice, all in care of the funeral home.