James “Jim” Walter Cackler, 70, returned to his heavenly home on November 18, 2016 surrounded by his family. His devotion to his family and his love and firm belief in God gave him peace throughout his entire life. Jim was born to the late Walter and Evelyn Cackler of Horton Kansas. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age.

He graduated from Baker University in 1969 with a degree in education with an emphasis in history. He accepted teaching positions in Herrington, Basehor, and Tonganoxie Kansas where he taught until he retired in 2000. Jim was also co-owner of Bridal Extraordinaire with his wife where they worked side by side for 21 years until they recently sold the business and retired for a second time.

Jim was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend and fellow educator Victoria Barnett on May 28th, 1983. Jim helped raise their five children with patience, discipline and humility. From the very beginning he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the gospels. Jim was an educator and coach at heart. He was kind and soft-spoken and always had time to answer a question or tell a funny joke.

He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. He loved spending time with his soul mate and best friend Vickie and traveling to all of his grandchildren’s various sporting activities. His favorite part of retirement was fishing every chance he got.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vickie, his siblings Don Cackler of Lawrence, Kansas and Evonne Chism of Horton, Kansas. His children Wes Cackler and his wife Patti, Bryan Cackler, Casey Boatwright, Drew Boatwright and his wife Joy, Danni (Boatwright) Wiegmann and her husband Casey. His grandchildren, Christian Boatwright, Thomas Boatwright, Rowdy Boatwright, Austin Boatwright, Tiffany Cackler, David Boatwright, Taylor Cackler, Blake Boatwright, Megan Boatwright, Bo Wiegmann, Akeza Cackler, Giovanna Cackler and Stone Wiegmann.
 
Jim’s celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Westside Family Church in Shawnee, Kansas at 1:00. Pastors Brian Phipps and Tommy Barnett will be officiating the service.

The family requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to: Jim Cackler Scholarship Fund, donation be sent to The First State Bank and Trust, PO Box 219, Tonganoxie, Kansas 66086.

The Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, KS is in charge of the arrangements.