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James Philip "Jim" Steitz, 80, passed away October 28, 2021, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on October 28, 1941, in Ness County to Richard and Emilie (Mateyec) Steitz. He married Ruth Van Winkle August 21, 1964, at Byers.

A longtime Great Bend resident, Jim was the owner of J&S Cash Register Sales and Service. He also farmed and sold Aloe Vera in his spare time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the Building and Grounds Committee, as well as the Stewardship Board. He was a proud supporter of 4-H, loved attending his coffee group, and especially cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1963-1967, having made two West Pac cruises aboard the U.S.S. Gurke.

Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Steitz of the home; daughters. Kim Kummer (Steve) of Great Bend; Vicki Tucker (Brad) of Pleasant Dale, Neb. and their children, Bailee Tucker, Miranda Tucker and Cason Tucker, and Brenda French (John) of Council Grove and their children, Brendan Steitz, Emilie French, Hawk French, Natalie French, Blaise French and Grace French; sisters in law, Lynda Steitz and Gail Drotts; brother in law, Ken Van Winkle (Paula); and nieces and nephews, Jaime, Nicole, Jorja, Mikel, Kandee, Kathy, Kerrie, Kristy, and Todd; and family at heart, Martha Wondra, Tiffany (Tim), Tamara (Mark), Jessi, Abi (Chris) and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Bill Steitz and Dan Steitz.

According to Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Merle Brockhoff presiding. Inurnment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Ness City Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to Barton County Food Bank or Barton County Emergency Aid, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.