James McDiffett

James A. “Jim” McDiffett, 84, of Herington, died March 8 at Herington Municipal Hospital.

Born Oct. 17, 1925, near Alta Vista, to James A. and Mary (Decker) McDiffett Sr., he graduated from Parkerville High School.

He managed Moore Sand Company and later Moore Ready Mix in Junction City. He owned and operated Herington Ready Mix for 20 years.

He married Dorothy Thrash in 1948. He later married Velda White-Lawrenz.

His siblings, Myrtle, Lilly Campbell, Pearl Sams, Ralph, Lena Slack, and Bernice Sisson and a grandchild, Jamie Lee Brunner, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Velda of Herington; two sons, Tom of Texas and Jim of Manhattan; two daughters, Marilyn “Tudy” Brunner-Novak of Tampa and Laurie Stroda of Pratt; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, TerryKay Wright, Kathy Bruckner, and Larry Lawrenz; seven step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service was Thursday morning at Herington United Methodist Church.

A private family burial will be at a later date.

Memorial funds have been established with the church and Herington High School Athletic Department in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.