Jim Williamson
Jim Williamson, 82, died Friday, October 25, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born September 21, 1942, in Cedar Vale, Kansas, the son of Alfred Edmond & Evelyn Pauline (MaHocks) Williamson.
Jim lived in various places as a young child due to his father's occupation, they settled in Syracuse, Kansas where Jim attended and graduated from Syracuse High School. He then served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, from September 6, 1960, to August 1, 1963. While serving, Jim also played basketball for the U.S. Navy team and was released from the service 1 month early in order to play at Garden City Junior College for 1 year. On April 25, 1965, he married Anita June Akers in Syracuse, Kansas. Jim worked in various occupations throughout his life. He worked as an insurance inspector, a disability investigator, a floor plan auditor, and a meter technician for various companies in Garden City.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Garden City. Jim has always enjoyed watching and playing in all sports. He played in many different Garden City softball teams where he was the pitcher and also known as the "Pop Up King." He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid fan of KU Basketball, KU Football, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. His grandchildren were the joy of his life and would do everything with them and take in as many of their activities as he could.
Survivors include his wife Anita June Williamson of the home; a son Dr. Tim Williamson of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren Katie Grace Williamson, Sam Williamson, Olivia Panessidi, & Jordan Timmers; three sisters-in-law Dixie Akers, Delores Akers, & Martha Akers; a brother-in-law Jim Dennis; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins including Joe McCord and Steve (Betty) Warring, and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; a son Jeff Williamson which Jim and Anita miss very much; a brother John Ed & wife Earlene Williamson; a sister Joy & husband Pete Sikes; three brothers-in-law Barney Mack Akers Jr., Jim Akers, & Bob Pfannenstiel; a sister-in-law Elizabeth Dennis; his father-in-law & mother-in-law Barney Akers Sr. and Elsie Akers; a nephew Brian Pfannenstiel; and a niece Cindy Akers.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City with Rev. Jim Akers officiating. The funeral may also be viewed on Facebook Life on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military graveside rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Southwest Kansas Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family will be at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday to visit with friends. The family suggests memorials given to Tunnels to Towers, or to the University of Kansas Cancer, Center. Memorials are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, Kansas 67846. Condolences may be given to garnandfuneralhomes.com.
OBITUARIES
David Randolph Taylor Junior
DATELINE: JOHNSON, KS David Randolph Taylor Junior was a big, strong man with a tender heart. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1955 on February 17th. David died on March 9, 2025, after a fierce battle with Anaplastic thyroid cancer. David was born to David... [More]
Susan Lynn Barker
Susan Lynn Barker, 67, died Monday, March 3, 2025, at The Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas. She was born July 9, 1957, in Iola, Kansas the daughter to George Ernest Mapes & Doris Louise Cuppy. Susan was born in Iola and relocated to Colorado during her childhood, where... [More]
Larry Lee Hirsch Sr.
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Larry Lee Hirsch Sr., who left us on February 24, 2025, at the age of 81. He passed at his son’s home, with family members present. He was in the care of Hand in Hand Hospice of Emporia, Kansas. ... [More]
Daryle Lewis
Daryle Wayne Lewis was born on January 5, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to George Woodrow Lewis and Juanita (Evins) Lewis. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Syracuse that was homesteaded by his Grandfather. He lived in a sod house until the age of ten, with... [More]
Orin Grant Florence, Sr.
Orin Grant Florence, Sr. passed away February 13, 2025, at the Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune, Kansas. He was the son of Ernest Miles Florence and Cecil Dale (Hill) Florence. He was born July 7, 1942 in Hugoton, Kansas. Orin began his life in Hugoton and grew... [More]
Sharlleen Ruth Swisher
A celebration of life for longtime Lamar, Colorado resident, Sharlleen R. Swisher will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the Sheridan Lake Bible Church. Interment will follow at the Sheridan Lake Cemetery. Sharlleen Ruth Jensen Swisher... [More]
Wade Henry Dewey
Wade Henry Dewey, 58, passed away on January 25, 2025 in Wichita, Ks. He was born on November 15, 1966 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enjoyed working with his hands, he was a skilled mechanic and enjoyed wood working. He was also a champion dirt track racer. Wade lived the nomad... [More]
James “JD” Rice
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SPORTS
HI-PLAINS ALL LEAGUE
The Hi-Plains League has announced recipients of all-league basketball honors. The selection process begins when individual coaches submit names. The players are then voted on by the other HPL coaches. However, coaches may not vote on their own players. Syracuse High School... [More]
SHS CHEER TAKES SECOND
Small but Mighty! That is the name high school Head Cheerleading Coach, Marcos Valadez put on the 2024-2025 squad last summer, “We may not have the numbers, but our team has overcome adversity and is always stepping up to the challenge.” Proving this, the Syracuse... [More]
BULLDOGS OPEN FALL SEASON WITH FIRST PLACE FINISH IN GOLF
The Syracuse Bulldogs Ladies Varsity Golf Team took first at their season opener in Stanton County on Tuesday afternoon. They shot a team score of 207 at the Prairie Pines Golf Course in Johnson. The varsity team is Lanee Owens, Bronwyn Lewis, Sammy Schwieterman, Maddy... [More]
LEWIS HEADS TO STATE TRACK
Qualifying members of the high school track team traveled to Hill City Thursday, May 16 to compete in the 2-A regional meet against 15 teams, Ellinwood, Ellis, Hill City, Hoxie, Lincoln, Meade, Medicine Lodge, Oakley, Plainville, Smith Center, Stanton County, Sublette, Thomas... [More]
BULLDOGS TAKE SECOND AT REGIONALS - HEADED TO STATE
The Syracuse High School boys golf team battled breezy conditions on Monday May 13 competing in the 2-A Regional meet on their own Tamarisk Golf Course. Adjusting to windy conditions and competing at home paid off for the Bulldogs Monday, placing second, qualifying... [More]
STATE GOLF RESULTS
State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams. On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]
JH BASKETBALL WINS
Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]
LADY BULLDOGS BORDER WARS CHAMPIONS!!
The Lady Bulldogs were undefeated during the Border Wars, defeating Eads on Friday, 42-7 and Walsh on Saturday 62-5, bringing their record to 3-1. But the winner wasn’t announced until Tuesday evening. Syracuse Athletic Director Josh Johnson explained, “It came down... [More]
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NEWS
Powerlifters Head to State
Syracuse Bulldogs power lifting successful season is ending with nine athletes qualifying for the state meet Saturday, March 29 in Conway Springs at 9:00 AM CT, 8:00 AM MT. Qualifying are Natalia Figueroa, Stella Simon, Deena Rochat, Angel Peralta, Angel Ramirez, Will Roberts,... [More]
LOCAL WOMAN HACKED ONLINE WANTS TO HELP PREVENT YOU FROM SIMILAR SITUATION
Scams. Hackers. They are everywhere. They call your phone, text a simple hi, email you from what looks like a reasonable business. They are out for your money or your identity. We often think they get other people, not us. Local resident Ronna Simon is exasperated.... [More]
HOMECOMING NIGHT
On Friday night, the stands were filled with students, parents, and spectators out to enjoy homecoming against the Sublette Larks. The pep rally started off the afternoon with contests and games to get the students excited. The JH Pep Band played, the cheerleaders performed,... [More]
SYRACUSE’S NEW STREET SWEEPER
If you think you have seen a little spaceship on the streets around town, you are not alone. Many of us have wondered what this new contraption is and how it works. According to City Administrator, Brian Bloyd, it is the new Ravo R5 street sweeper. “This replaces... [More]
DAIRY SPECIALISTS MAKING CHANGES
In the last year and a half, Dairy Specialists has grown from working with three dairies to 15, and they have quickly outgrown their space. They found a larger facility in Ulysses with 12 acres that is centrally located to the dairies they service. No employees have to... [More]
SCHWIETERMAN TO SERVE NATIONALLY
Scot Schwieterman has been involved in farming his entire life. “I learned how to farm while working for my family. Growing up, I developed a passion for it.” In 2018, YO Farms was established with hay, forage, and row crop farming. Scot’s eagerness... [More]
HM COUNTY EMS SEEKS EMR
Looking for a way to serve the community? Looking to expand your knowledge base? Maybe you want to be on the front lines helping others? Maybe becoming a first responder is in your future. Hamilton County EMS Director Alan Hanson is putting on an Emergency Medical Responder... [More]
FAITH AND FARMING ROOTS HELP BRING HOME NATIONAL WIN FOR SCHWIETERMAN GRANDCHILD
Many may remember as a kid playing with Hot Wheels, building a town, using items from around the house for buildings, or perhaps building a town outside in the dirt. But it is the kid with farming roots that added fences made from sticks, pulled grass and put in the fence for... [More]
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OPINIONS
Connecting
Happy Spring! Happy warm temperatures. Happy sunshine without extreme wind days! It is supposed to be 88 degrees today and tomorrow. Doesn’t that sun feel good? And how wild that a week ago there was still snow on the ground. It may sound crazy but I appreciate the... [More]
Our Most Treasured Possessions
Does anyone remember the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry? It is one of my favorites. If I recall correctly, the couple sells their most treasured possessions to secretly buy each other Christmas gifts. Again it has been many years since I read the story, but... [More]
A Valentine's Day Gift of Gratitude
It’s a snowy February day here in western Kansas as I write my column before it heads to print. We had a couple of inches of beautiful snow to blanket our area with white. However the farmers are disappointed that there wasn’t any moisture in it. As always,... [More]
Confidence
It is an icy, foggy winter morning, a far cry from the 82 degree sunny day we had just a couple of days ago. While the weather in western Kansas can be baffling, I enjoy the variances. It makes every day exciting. What will happen next? I feel like that is the climate... [More]
Sleepless Nights and Endless Memories
It’s the end of January 2025. I spent a couple nights trading shifts with my husband watching one of our ewes waiting for a lamb. She gave birth on Tuesday afternoon on a beautiful, sunny, 50 degree day. She had a long, hard labor but was blessed with... [More]
What is meant for you?
Happy mid-January! I am not excited for the below zero temperatures coming as we are waiting on a lamb to deliver her baby. We thought she was close the other night. My husband and I traded off checking every couple of hours. It was a long night with little sleep. It was... [More]
The Circle of Life
It is Tuesday morning and I am scrambling to get things finished for this week’s paper to go out. With the National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter, post offices are closed on Thursday. We were able to move printing to Tuesday morning to publish Wednesday.... [More]
Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s 2025! Well it’s New Years Eve as I write this lol. It is the 140th year of The Syracuse Journal and my fifth year as editor. For someone who was always on the road, the only roots as a vagabond, I think it’s cool that I landed... [More]
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