James R. Babcock (72), rural Robinson, passed away of natural causes on April 14, 2023. He was born Feb.15, 1951, in Chanute, KS to Willa (Clemans) and Warren Babcock. He was graduated from Chanute High School and Kansas University.

Jim was a beloved preschool, elementary, and high school teacher in addition to being a professional clown and musician. Locally he taught at Maur Hill Preparatory Academy in Atchison, Horton High School, Horton Elementary and Wolf River Child Care Center. Jim also taught 5th grade at Trailwood Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District, from which he retired in 2012.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 22 years Pam Kingsolver Babcock; four children, Buddy Kihm (Carolyn Donadio) of Colorado, Ted Kihm (Tracy) of Lawrence, Nancy Jackson (Bill Jackson) of Robinson, and Kate Reed (Ryan Reed) of Rincón, Puerto Rico; a brother Rex Babcock (Jennifer Babcock), Chanute; a niece Lynette Wescott (Rodney Wescott) of Arcadia; ex six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Legler Kihm Babcock, his sister Leah Babcock Knetzer and his parents

Services will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS. Visitation begins at 3 p.m., and Service at 4 p.m. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com