CRIGER, Jim - b. January 1, 1927 - d. November 22, 2020

[patyrn]

Jim Criger went to his heavenly home on the morning of November 22, 2020 at the age of 93.  He was born on January 1, 1927, the son of Albert and Mildred (Barackman) Criger.

Jim lived most of his life in Howard, Kansas where he grew up on the family ranch outside of town.  Following his graduation from Howard High School in 1944, Jim went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  From there, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served a short tour of duty in the Pacific Ocean until the end of World War II. After the war, he completed his training as a private and commercial pilot and attended Kansas State University in Manhattan where he earned an Associate Degree in Animal Science.  During a visit home from K-State, he met his sweetheart, Lucy Bowland, and they married a year later.  Jim and Lucy moved to his family ranch in 1952 where they lived and worked until 1976.  November 26, 2020 would have marked their 70th year together.  They later sold the ranch and moved to their current home in Howard where Jim then became a realtor and auctioneer.

Jim was actively involved in the life and community of Howard and the surrounding area. As a founding member of the Elk County Rural Fire Department, he served as the chief for 50 years.  He was a faithful member of the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church where he loved to worship his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He gave many hours of service to the church and contributed much labor building the new facility.  Jim served on the Elk County Fair Association for many years and was also a member of the Cattleman's Association, Elk County Pork Producers, Howard Feed and Fertilizer Association, local school board, and American Legion.  Jim Criger's big baritone voice could often be heard on the loudspeaker at the fair parade, local football games, auctions, and horse races.  His favorite things were his family, flying, water and snow skiing, dancing, and roller skating.  Jim was best known as a generous, hardworking man and was loved by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lucy Criger.  His legacy continues with his three children, Roxann (Eric) Erickson of Augusta, Kansas, Colette (Gary) West of Bristow, Virginia, and David (Peggy ) Criger of Howard, Kansas; five grandsons, Preston (Wencke) West,  Brandon (Andrea) West, Kyle (Jill) Criger, Aaron (Naleen) West, and Clayton Criger; 10 great-grandchildren, Kade West, Devin West, Jayce West, Carly West, Gaven Criger, Kailah West, Kaitlyn West, Hesston Criger, Elaine Criger, and Hope Criger; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mildred Criger; his brother, Carl Criger; and his sister, Louise Harrod.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Flint Hills Assembly of God on a date to be determined later.  Please find information on Facebook at Flint Hills Assembly of God or www.mykeeper.com/profile/JimCriger/.  Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts in memory to the Elk County Rural Fire Department, P.O. Box 608, Howard, Kansas 67349 or Flint Hills Assembly of God Church, 1217 Kansas Highwy 99, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the MyKeeper website)