James F. Halling, 77, of Fairway, KS died peacefully at KU Hospital on August 10th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at his bedside and in prayer. A dear friend and neighbor, Jim will be missed by all who knew him and his full-throated laugh. He broke every mold. He was a scientist with an unshakable Christian faith. A traveler who loved his home. A dietician with an insatiable sweet tooth. A gentle soul with a wicked sense of humor.

Jim was born April 8th, 1945, in Atchison, KS to Peter F. Halling and Elizabeth Fuhrman. Jim attended school at their home parish, St. Louis at Good Intent. Here his admiration for the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica began. After graduating from Huron High School in 1963, Jim nursed his ailing mother until her passing. He then attended St. Benedict’s College. Jim graduated with a BS in Home Economics, attending classes at the all-female Mount St. Scholastica College as they were not offered at the all-male St. Benedict’s. Ultimately, he would earn an MS from KU in Dietetics. Jim married Judy Vance in 1972, settling in Fairway where they raised two children, Natosha and James Vance. He spent his career at KU, as Chair of Dietetics and Nutrition and director of the hospital’s food service operations. Jim was active in the American Dietetic Association and served as Secretary-Treasurer, collaborating with other Universities, and even consulting in the establishment of a Dietetics program in Costa Rica. Food and cooking were Jim’s passions. His family often teased him that he remembered every good meal he had ever eaten! In retirement, Jim enjoyed baking, reading, extolling anything KU, reminiscing about family history and his beloved orange Tabby cat, Tangelo Joe. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his stepmother Emmy Halling, his in-laws, Bill and Eleanor Vance and his brother-in-law Jim Diebolt. He is survived by his daughter Natosha and her fiancé Matthew Peak of Mission, KS; his son Vance Halling of Atchison; his sisters Betty Diebolt of Roseville, California and Susan (David) Smith of Atchison; numerous nieces and nephews and his furry feline grandchildren. 

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Mount St. Scholastica with Rev. Jeremy Heppler as celebrant. A visitation with the family will be from 12:30 P.M. until start of service at the Mount. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mount St. Scholastica and may be left in care of the funeral home.