James Leon Pommerehn, 68, Hill City, Kansas, left this world August 12, 2026. He was born in WaKeeney to Gale “Boomer” and Cleona (Barnes) Pommerehn. He lived his whole life in Hill City and never ventured very far from Graham County.
His early education began in Hill City, graduating from high school in 1976. By the way, it was then that he became known as “Little Boomer”. Boomer continued his education with Outreach Classes from Colby Community College, studying computer applications, and earned Emergency in Medical Technician Certification. In Houston, he learned Calculations and Techniques with Baker Oil Tools.
Boomer wore many hats in the petroleum industry from 1976 through 2019. Beginning as a roughneck and driller, a tool supervisor, a production foreman, and production superintendent. His time in the oil fields spanned the states of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska.
Boomer wore many hats in the petroleum industry from 1976 through 2019. Beginning as a roughneck and driller, a tool supervisor, a production foreman, and production superintendent. His time in the oil fields spanned the states of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska.
In 1991, Boomer became the Director of Emergency Services for Graham County. This job kept him very busy with the daily operations that included equipment maintenance, payrolls, billing, planning and etcetera. Plus he was responsible for the safety of all volunteer Fire, EMS, and Emergency Preparedness Departments in Graham County. He was also a volunteer fireman from 2000 until his illness made it impossible to answer his call.
The love of Nature was in his blood. He hunted, fished, and enjoyed camping and gardening. Was a member of Friends of Webster State Park. Every winter it was off to Webster Lake to admire the bald eagles. Boomer even enjoyed just country cruising. As a Pyro Tech he would be seen setting up and igniting fireworks at many shows.
When Boomer and Kris were married, July 20, 1985, he didn’t just get the Bride, he also gained two daughters, Holly and Rebecca. In 1988, they were blessed with a son Jeffrey and later adopted Holly in 1992.
Family meant the world to him. When he was surrounded by his family, he was content. He hosted and cooked many barbeque parties. He always made prime rib for Christmas, because it was Holly’s favorite birthday meal. And Caci always got the first slice.
Being present for his kids and grandkids was a priority for him. Each of the grandkids have many fond memories of him being close by when they competed or had a special occasion. As if he wasn’t busy with his family, Boomer stepped up to the plate when a father couldn’t be. An example was at Braelynn’s Basketball “Father Daughter Event”.
Jacelynn remembers how important it was for Boomer to dance with his granddaughter at her wedding. He bought Brylee her first gun and never missed those dance recitals of hers and Bria’s. He was Jesse’s “go to” for any meat or gilling questions. With any oilfield questions Caden would always ask Grandpa. He loved that Adalynn wrestled and loved watching her play softball. Maybe that brought back memories of when he played men’s slow-pitch softball, umpired by his dad. Football was Braelynn’s sport and he was there to watch. These and many other memories will last forever.
Boomer was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter Holly. Leaving to carry on the legacy of love and giving are his wife Kris of Hill City; children: Rebecca ( Jesse) Wilkie of Hays; Jeff ( Caci) Pommerehn of Hays; grandchildren: Braelynn Lemon (Brent) of Hill City, Jacelynn Kershner (Cole) of Bogue, Caden Hagan, Adalynn Wilkie, Brylee Pommerehn, Bria Pommerehn all of Hays; great grandchildren: Elly Kelley, Remington Arnold, Baylen Hagan, Bo Kelley.
Visitation will be August 16, 2026 at 5:00-7:00 PM, Hill City First Assembly of God Church, 206 N. Middle Avenue, Hill City, Kansas. The Celebration of Life is August 17, 2026 at the Graham County Fairgrounds, South Hiway 283, Hill City, Kansas .
Memorials for James “Boomer” Pommerehn may be sent in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas 67642.