James "Jim" Lester Piland

James “Jim” Lester Piland, 87, was born January 9, 1939, in the family farmhouse in rural Macksville, Kansas, the son of Joseph E. and Ruby May (Newby) Piland and passed away on July 5, 2026, in the same beloved farmhouse.

A lifelong resident of Macksville, Jim’s early years were rooted in the values and traditions of rural Kansas. He graduated from Macksville High School and furthered his education at Pratt Junior College before earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University.

On February 9, 1963, Jim married Geneva Lois Hensley in Springfield, Missouri, a union that marked the beginning of 63 years of devoted partnership. Together, they built a family and created lasting memories filled with devotion, kindness, and shared purpose.

Jim dedicated much of his life to serving his community in various capacities. He was both a Farmer and a U.S. Postal Service Rural Letter Carrier. For over 20 years, Jim was a member of the Clear Creek Township Road and Cemetery Boards.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Geneva Piland; of the home; his children Jeffrey S. (Sharol Sanchez) Piland, Aurora, CO; and Sonya C. (Rodney) Phillips; Macksville, KS: his sister, Janice (Al) Holstein; Los Altos, CA; and his grandchildren, Joseph C. Piland, George W. Piland and Ruby H.J. Phillips. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joann J. Piland.

Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Farmington Cemetery, Macksville, KS.

Memorials may be made to the Center for Dementia Research in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.