Myrlen James

Mr. James passed away May 22 at a local hospital. He was 76. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his daughter Jennifer Poliquin of Gurnee, IL, his son Robert James of Lincoln, NE, his daughter Becky Wahbeh of Chanhassen, MN, his mother Gladys James of Dodge City, KS, his sister Bonnie Loughrige of Larned, KS and six grandchildren. Mr. James worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a manager for 34 years until his retirement in 1987. He later worked for Douglas Cable Co. in Topeka as National Training Manager until his second retirement in 1990. Mr. James graduated from Dodge City High School where he was a star football and baseball player and attended the University of Kansas on a football scholarship. He was also offered a minor league baseball contract by the Brooklyn Dodgers, and played semi pro baseball. He enjoyed traveling throughout the southwest exploring national parks and monuments, ancient Indian ruins, visiting reservations and attending Indian flea markets. He also enjoyed sports, his pets, movies, music, auctions, Native American jewelry, and making jewelry. Mr. James will be cremated. Memorial services will be held at 3 pm Saturday, June 5, at Penwell-Gabel Midtown, 1321 S.W. 10th Street in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Helping Hands Humane Shelter, 2625 NW Rochester, Topeka, KS 66617.