James Allen Brungardt, age 49 of Hays, Kansas died Sunday, July 5, 2026, at HaysMed - Hays. He was born on September 27, 1976, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Lawrence Allen and Patricia (Martin) Brungardt.
James was a best friend to anyone who knew him. He had a selfless heart and was always willing to drop what he was doing to help someone else. He made others feel like a priority, often putting their problems ahead of his own and doing whatever he could to help solve them. He was generous, kind, dependable, and always there when someone needed him.
James loved being outdoors. Whether he was riding ATVs, spending time at the lake, or enjoying the quiet of the farm, he found peace in nature. He knew the value of “dirt road therapy” and appreciated the calm, grounding feeling that came from being outside.
His family lovingly described him as a hands-on kind of man. James was a true Mr. Fix-It who could solve almost any problem with just a couple of tools. If it had an engine, chances are he could figure out how to fix it. He was also an accomplished woodworker and craftsman, taking pride in working with his hands and creating things with skill and care.
James was an avid outdoorsman and collector of firearms. He loved hunting as well as just shooting clay pigeons, and he was a pretty good shot. He had a natural curiosity, a practical mind, and a willingness to take on just about anything. If he didn’t know how to do it, he would work until he had it figured out, but humble enough to know when he needed help, and he’d ask.
He graduated from Ellis High School in 1996. All through Jr and High school, James worked. He started out working for Trio Lumber and then in high school, he landed a job on a dairy farm. After a while there, he was hired as a farm hand for Richard Schaus. During the years he worked there, he not only worked the dairy, but he worked out in the fields and helped with harvest. This is where he shined and found his absolute passion. It didn’t matter how long or rough the day was; he was ready to do it all over again the next day. Harvest was his favorite, but any day in the tractor or truck was perfect for him. In August of 1996, James was diagnosed with an auto immune disease and given little time to live. He met that challenge head on and continued to help and support his family and friends in any way he could.
James eventually got a job delivering nuclear medicine to various hospitals. It was part time but driving overnights. He loved being out on the road and just put on his music and away he went. It wasn’t farming, but he felt so good to be able to help provide and take care of his family. In November of 2025, James was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. Due to the treatments, he was forced to give up working and focus on his health.
James fought with all his might. He endured so much and even though tired and ill, he kept going through it all to be there for his family. All through his life, James never backed down from doing his best. Life was full of great challenges, and he always did what he could to make things work. He still took time to help anyone else who was facing hard times, or just needed an extra hand, listening ear, or a shoulder.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Brungardt, his sons: “Jimmy” Lawrence Brungardt, Eric Brungardt, and Cooper Brungardt, all of the home; his mother, Patricia “Pat” Lovin, Ellis; sister Kathy Zahn, WaKeeney; brother Bill Lee Hankins, Colorado Springs, CO; stepsister Danielle and husband Joe Knoll, Ellis. James also had many nephews and nieces who he loved to spoil. He was preceded in death by: his father, Lawrence Brungardt, his stepfather, Richard Lovin, stepbrother Scott Lovin, grandparents, various aunts and uncles, brother-in-law, Eric McDonald; fathers in law, and 4 brothers who died in infancy.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: Bonnie Brungardt to assist with final expenses.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Viewing and Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Funeral Chapel.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with his family may be shared on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
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