William James

William E. James (Bill) was born on August 23rd, 1942 in Ellsworth Kansas to parents Glenn and Wanda James. Bill died on June 14th, 2023.
Bill was a graduate of Topeka High school and Washburn University where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. As a teenager, Bill worked at his local grocery store which helped him prepare for a lifetime career in the industry. Upon graduation at Washburn University, Bill worked at Fleming Foods and continued to develop his skills and knowledge. Bill knew that he wanted to own his own business and diligently saved enough money to buy his own grocery store. Over the next 44 years, Bill successfully owned and operated four I.G.A. grocery stores in Baldwin, Osage City, Holton and Perry Kansas. Bill was dedicated to his business and took pride in ensuring they were successful. He was proud to be as he called himself, "Head of Lettuce."

In 1990 he married the love of his life, Mel (Robertson) James. They bought a home in Perry, Kansas and worked together to run their family business. It really was a family business as Bill's dad Glenn James, helped his son on a weekly basis to stock and face the shelves. Mel's son, Derek Badsky joined the team and helped manage the Perry store. The four of them worked hard to provide a thriving business for the community of Perry. Bill and his family were proud of the positive impact they had and were grateful for the friendships they developed with the people of Perry, Kansas.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Bill was a proud husband, son, brother and uncle. Although Bill did not have any of his own children, his path in life led him to become a cherished father and grandfather of Mel's family. Members of Bill's family include Mel James (wife), Derek Badsky (son), Cesily Badsky (daughter in law), Hendrix Badsky and Briston Badsky (grandsons), Randy Badsky (son), Sue Badsky (daughter in law) and Nick Badsky (grandson), Kay Keefer (sister), Justin Strausbaugh (nephew), Jessica Strausbaugh (niece in law), Aliya Strausbaugh (great niece) and Daniel Strausbaugh (great nephew). Bill was preceded in death by Glenn and Wanda James (parents) and Christian Keefer (nephew). Bill was also grateful for the lifelong friendships he had with his brothers of Kappa Sigma and his friends in the grocery business.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Potwin Presbyterian church in Topeka, Kansas. Bill took pride in being an outstanding member of his community and was gracious in giving and supporting those in need. Bill was also passionate about helping animals. Over his lifetime, Bill adopted six dogs from shelters and spoiled them with love and affection. Bill also made significant donations to area shelters in his commitment to helping pooches in need. Every dog in our family knew he was the go to guy for treats, which he strategically kept in his pocket to ensure they came to him for snuggles.

Bill's favorite pastime was watching local collegiate teams play football, baseball and basketball. His favorite place to be was at a Washburn University or Kansas University game. Bill attended every KU football game (except for two) over a thirty year plus span as a season ticket holder. For Bill, an awesome day included watching a local football game with his family and friends. Together, we enjoyed being outside and cheering on our team. Win or lose. Rain or shine. Bill was not a fair weather fan. You could count on him to cheer for his team until the last second of every game. Along the way we enjoyed eating pulled pork sandwiches and drinking ice cold Coke's as we created treasured memories while enjoying his favorite pastime.

Bill lived a life of hard work, success and dedication to his family and friends. He had a good life and was strong in his faith. Bill's family was blessed to have him in their lives and will forever be grateful for their husband, son, brother, uncle, father and grandpa. They are comforted in knowing that he served his life's purpose and is now resting peacefully in heaven.

A celebration of life for William E. James (Bill) will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and will be at The Foundry, 400 SW 33rd Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611