James Otto Dammann, son of Otto C. and Minnie P. Hormann Dammann, was born June 28, 1936 in Marysville, KS. On July 12, 1936 he was baptized at Mt. Calvary Lutheran where May 28, 1950 he also confirmed his faith. He received his elementary education at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School until 6th grade when he transferred to Marysville Junior High School and in 1954 graduated from Marysville High School. In September 1954 he enlisted with the U.S. Navy where he remained until honorably discharge as a YN2 in August 1958.

On June 28, 1960 at Grace United Methodist Church in Topeka, KS he married Wanita Wanda Wendland with whom he enjoyed 57 years in the nuptial estate. To this union were born three children, who with their spouses and family, alongside Wanita, survive. The children are Daryl Ray (Cynthia) Dammann, Wanda Sue (Michael) Droge, and David Chris Dammann. The grandchildren are Amy (Brent) Humbert, Matthew Dammmann, Nicole (William) Schwartz, and Brandon (Emily) Droge; and the great-grandchildren are Reed Weston Humbert, Michael Alan Schwartz, and Ellie Rose and Jackson James Droge.

Also surviving is Jim’s sister, Mary Jean Boyette and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Lowell (Faith) Wendland, Leona (Delmar) Bacon and Iola (Loren) Mullins. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Vernon and Kenneth Dammann.

Upon military discharge, Jim subsequently found employment with National Reserve Life Insurance (where he met Wanita). The newlyweds then (1960) moved to Wichita where Jim was engaged as a contract worker with Boeing until 1965. He then worked with the General Services Administration from 1965-1971 in Kansas City, MO, before locating to Topeka, KS (1971-1987) where he became Chief of Computer Operations with Western Area Supply, linked with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1987 he transferred to St. Louis and was a Customer Support Supervisor until 1991 when, at the age of 55, he retired.

In March 1988 Jim and Wanita became communicants at Peace Lutheran where their membership since has remained. Over the years, in the various Lutheran churches where he has been a member, Jim has served as Elder, Usher, Trustee and Board of Education participant.

Jim enjoyed relatively good health until the advances of age began to weaken his condition. In 2011 he began addressing cardiac and respiratory difficulties, and more recently was diagnosed with carcinoma, and underwent several hospitalizations. Finally, August 9 he entered St. Clare SSM Hospice and received its palliative care until his passing at home, Monday, September 11, 2017, 10:50 p.m., where he peacefully departed this life.

He attained the age of 81 years, 2 months, and 14 days. His cremains later will be interred at West Lawn Memorial Gardens, Topeka, KS.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to any of the worthy causes below: