James Barmore (Jim) Kramer, 82 years old, formerly of Hugoton Kansas passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in Prairie Village, Kansas.
Jim was born to August Elvin (Gus) and Olive Elfa (Morgan) Kramer on June 21, 1941, in Liberal, Kansas.
Jim married Shirley Kay (Ausbun) on August 31, 1962, in Hugoton, Kansas. They were married almost 60 years prior to Shirley’s passing in August of 2022. To this union and marriage were three children: Michael, Juli, and Kyle. Jim and Shirley enjoyed many years together of love, raising children, doting over grandchildren, and partnering together to run a farm operation.
He was a graduate of Hugoton High School in 1959 and Kansas State University in Agricultural Economics in 1964. He returned to Hugoton after college and took over the family farm operations later to be known as Kramer Seed Farms, which he ran for almost 56 years before retiring in 2020. He loved all aspects of farming, the farming community, and farming culture. As with most farmers, he was very entrepreneurial and looked to broaden and improve farming economics within his own operations. He ventured into various forms of farming diversity over the years, from raising registered Hereford cattle to identifying preserved wheat. In the late 1970’s when he saw the economic devastation happening to family farms, he took action and joined and became a leader in the American Agricultural Movement. He dedicated a significant portion of 3 years working locally, statewide, and nationally to bring awareness to the plight of the family farm. He eventually testified in front of the U.S. Congress and was named Kansas Man of the Year by the Topeka Capital Journal for his efforts. He never fully ventured into politics, but because of his work in AAM, he was frequently asked for his input to Farm policy by Kansas Representatives, Senators, and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Additionally, on a state level, he resided on various Kansas State boards and initiatives related to agriculture and he continued to take part in these efforts up to his retirement.
He was a lifetime resident of Hugoton until three years ago when he, and wife Shirley, officially retired and moved to Kansas City to be closer to family. Family was his biggest joy in life, he enjoyed spending time with, and most of all just being around them. He and Shirley wouldn’t hesitate to travel to see their grandchildren in all their activities.
His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. As a member of the First Church of God he was very active throughout his adult life in Church and Sunday School leadership and teaching. He fundamentally believed and lived the responsibility of spiritual guidance for his family. We are confident that he has already heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
He is survived by three children, Michael Kramer and wife Dana, Kansas City, MO., Juli (Kramer) Fisher, Prairie Village, KS., and Kyle Kramer and wife Susan, Kansas City, MO.; six grandchildren, Alex, Elizabeth, James, Kathryn, Olivia, and Sophia; and many other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Olive; three siblings, Donald Kramer, Richard Kramer, and Kenneth Kramer.
A memorial has been established for the First Church of God of Hugoton. In the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, Kansas 67951.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 25, 2023, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at First Church of God, 801 West City Limits, Hugoton. Family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. that evening at the church.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2032, at 11 A.M. at First Church of God, Hugoton, Kansas with Stuart Scott presiding. Burial to follow at Hugoton Cemetery.
Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton is overseeing the arrangements.
