James G. Lillie

James (Jim) G. Lillie, 84, died unexpectedly at Stormont-Vail Hospital on October 9, 2018. Jim was born on May 8, 1934 in Emmetsburg, IA, son of James B. and Irene G. Lillie. He grew up in Spencer, IA, graduated from Spencer High School and just attended his 65th class reunion on September 17th. He enlisted in the Army for two years during the Korean conflict. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1962.

He married Joanne Underwood in 1956, they later divorced. He practiced dentistry in Perry, IA for 14 years. Jim moved to Topeka in 1979 and married Carolyn (Younger) Kelly in 1981 in Topeka, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by children: Laura Wernli (Paul)Perry, IA; Bradley Lillie, Ashland, NE; Michael Lillie, West Des Moines, IA. Step-children: Kevin Kelly (Sharon), Arkansas City, KS; Karen Nelson (Gary), Topeka, KS; Keith Kelly (Ann), Hoyt, KS; brother Robert Lillie (Karen), Leawood, KS, two nieces and three nephews.

Grandchildren: Alex Wernli (Allison); Molly Erickson (Justin); Mallory Lillie; Dustin Lillie; Madison Lopez (Jesus); Carter Lillie; Sarah Lillie; Dane Kelly, Kasha Campbell (Ian), Bryce Dalrymple (April); Alyssa Fladeland (Jack); Amanda Gromer (Matthew); Emma Kelly; Brandon Kelly; Jake Kelly.

Great grandchildren: Henry Wernli; Elliot Erickson; Roman Lopez; Freya Fladeland; Andrew Fladeland; Lillie Dalrymple; Savannah Gromer; Cade Campbell; with baby boy Dalrymple due in March 2019.

Jim was a landscape designer for Heifner Nursery from 1979 until retirement in 1996. He later worked part-time at Blackburn Nursery for the last 15 years.

Many hobbies including woodworking, traveling, geocaching, growing flowers, gardening, bicycle riding, computers (all technology) and watching KU basketball.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 3, 2:00 p.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church sanctuary with visitation to follow in the Celebration Center, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611.

Memorial contributions could be made to Countryside United Methodist Church, or Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608