James “Jim” Edward Holthaus, 76, of rural Horton, Kansas, unexpectedly passed away at his home on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Jim was born on March 21, 1950, in Centralia, Kansas, to Cyril and Emma (Deters) Holthaus. He graduated from Horton High School in 1968.
On June 5, 1971, Jim married the love of his life, Judy Lott, at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming. Jim worked for numerous local farmers and at Gaskell Bolt before accepting a position at Goodyear, where he worked for five years. In 1980, he and Judy began farming together, working side by side to build Holthaus Farms. Jim continued farming until the day of his passing.
Jim was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church. He enjoyed spending time with Judy, taking drives through the countryside to check on the crops, and cheering on his grandchildren at their many activities. His greatest joy was his family, and he treasured every opportunity to be together.
He is survived by his four children: Heather (Daryl) Struble of Freeport, Kansas; Darcie (Andrea) Holthaus of Lawrence, Kansas; Troy Holthaus of Horton, Kansas: Julie (Mark) McAfee of Horton, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin (Madison), Memphis, Mya, Millie, Patrick, and Reicher; his great-grandchildren, Priscilla, Archie, and Lucille; his sister, Ruby (Harold) Heinen; and his brothers, Mike Holthaus and Clint Holthaus and brother-in-law, Gary Handke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Emma Holthaus; his beloved wife, Judy; his sisters, Barbara Jones, Kathy Handke, and Pam Holthaus; and his brother, Stan Holthaus.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at St. Leo's Catholic Church. The family will greet friends immediately following the Rosary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Holthaus Memorial Fund, with the designation to be determined at a later date and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences and special messages for the family may be shared at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com.
