James 'Jim' Harries, 77, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on December 8, 2025, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in WaKeeney. He was born on December 15, 1947, to Myron and Ruth (Mary) Harries. Jim now joins his wife of 43 years, Roberta 'Robie' (Hetzel) Harries, who passed away on May 28, 2020. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1965.
Jim proudly served in the Army Reserves. He was a longtime member of the WaKeeney City Council from 1985 to 2003. He also served on the Nex-Tech Board from April 2000 to June 2019, including his tenure as board president from June 2011 to April 2018.
Throughout his life, Jim worked at the family car dealership—Harries Sales—which later became Harries Motor Company and eventually Harries Leasing. Though he held various positions during his younger years, he returned to his roots with the family business. He was respected for his honesty, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help others—whether family, friend, or stranger. Jim loved God and his family deeply and had a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him until his final days. While we mourn the loss of an amazing, selfless, and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend, we hold close the words he often shared: 'Have a happy day!'
Jim is survived by his daughters, Tammy Marshall Viar, Wendy Marshall, and Teressa Hafliger (Jonathan), all of WaKeeney, Kansas; his brothers, David (Deb) of Wichita, Kansas, and John of WaKeeney; grandchildren, Jennifer Dechant of WaKeeney, Amy Tonthat of Waco, Texas, Amerie Cavasos (Leo) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Crystal Richard of Salina, Kansas, Tiffany Richard of Colby, Kansas, Gol Y of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sherry Hodgson (Shaun) of Perry, Kansas, and Tracy Hammond (Kris) of Burley, Idaho; great-grandchildren, Amy, Ngoc, Nyah, Mary, Laura, Kaitlyn, Madison, Dalton, Shaun, Trinity, Kris, Ariana, and Rigston; and great-great-grandchild, Emma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Ruth Harries; his wife, Roberta; his sister, Kathy Gentert; sons-in-law, Sam Viar and Donald Williams; and great-great-grandchildren, Tran A. and Garrett James Richmeier.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, December 11, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, Kansas.
A funeral service honoring Jim’s life will be held on Friday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, with Robby Hernandez officiating.
Following the service, a committal service will take place at 11:15 a.m. at the Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the High Plains or The Generations Church in WaKeeney and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com