James R. Driver

James R. Driver, 96, of Pomona, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at the mortuary. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Jim was born October 16, 1921 in Quenemo, Kansas, the son of Roy and Hannah (Windett) Driver. He was the oldest of nine children. He graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1939. Jim was drafted into the United States Army, serving from August 19, 1942 until December 20, 1945 and attained the rank of Technician Third Grade. He participated in the campaign at Northern Solomons Luzon and received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. James was united in marriage with Betty J. Lincoln July 17, 1947, at Quenemo, Kansas. After their marriage, Jim and his wife moved to their home west of Pomona, Kansas, where they resided for almost 71 years. Survivors include his wife, Betty Driver of Pomona; four sons, Bill Driver of Garnett, Jim Bob Driver and wife Sherilyn of Lecompton, Roger Driver and wife Ann of Pomona, and Charles Driver and wife Neva of Emporia; daughter, Judy Rangel and husband Paul of Emporia; brother, Howard Driver and wife Jeanne of Ottawa; two sisters, Peggy Friesen and husband Bob of Topeka and Veda Rogers and husband Bruce of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister-in-law, Ruth Driver of Topeka; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Hannah Driver and five brothers, William, John, Richard, Don, and Joe Driver. Following high school, Jim went into farming with his father until he was drafted and after the service, went into partnership with his father and brother, Joe on the family farm. He retired from farming in 2008. He was a member of the Pomona United Methodist Church, Pomona Lions and Warren Black American Legion, Post 60 Ottawa. In 2004, he received the Pomona Outstanding Citizen Award and volunteered several years for Meals on Wheels in Pomona. He served twenty-four years on the Ottawa Federal Land Bank board; was a member of the Garnett State Savings Bank Board of Directors, Ottawa Coop board and Pomona School Board. He was a lifetime member of Ottawa Promenaders and Happy Time Squares in Lawrence, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contributions to Crossroads Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post condolences and memories on Jim’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com