James Earl “Jim” Price Jr., age 60, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, Kansas.
He was born October 15, 1965 in Neodesha, Kansas to James Earl and Martha Irean (Byington) Price Sr.. He married Tammy G. (Gour) on March 2, 1996, in San Diego, California. She preceded him in death on November 11, 2025.
Jim grew up in Wallace, Kansas on a farm and learned to operate the equipment before he could legally drive. He was a 1984 graduate of Wallace County High School, and attended Dodge City Junior College. He was a veteran of the US Navy, and was a Sonar Technician Third Class. He was honorably discharged on August 29, 1988.
He was a semi-truck driver for most of his life in which he hauled anything from farm crops, hazardous materials, box trailers, refrigerated units, to vehicles. Jim visited all 50 continental United States while being an over the road semi-truck driver. Being in the semi-truck was where he was most happy. He owned a trucking company with his late wife Tammy named J & T Transport while they lived in Grainfield, KS. He used to work as a mechanic / parts salesman for many years, and lived in Kansas, Florida, and California.
Jim had a strong faith and love for Jesus, and always attended Sunday church services whenever possible. He had a way of making you feel like you have known each other for years even if he just met you. He was the most patient and kindhearted man who would help anyone in need in any way he was able. He was very well educated when it came to fixing vehicles.
He loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and helping his dad with odds and ends at his farm. He had a vast gun collection and used to enjoy going out trap shooting, and enjoyed watching the truck and tractor pulls. He was a big collector of farm items especially John Deere model tractors which he used to have set up in a bedroom at his and Tammy’s house in Grainfield. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jeani Heyen and husband, Daryl, Oakley, KS; his father, James (Jim) Price Sr. and wife, Rue, Susank, KS; his sister, Dana Van Allen, Goodland, KS; his aunt Vesta Rhodes, Wichita, KS; his grandchildren, Kaylee; Rhylee; and Brentlee; three nephews; two nieces; great nephews and great nieces; and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha (Marty) Price; his wife, Tammy; and his brother, John Price.
A Celebration of life Memorial Service will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Liberty Four Square Church, 400 East 7th Street, Hays, Kansas with Pastor Neil Kelly, Officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 at the church.
Military Honors will be conducted after services at Liberty Four Square Church by the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076. A family inurnment will be at 3:00 P.M. (Central Time) Sunday, at the Fort Wallace Cemetery Wallace, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the family made payable to: Jeani Heyen in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences may be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left in the online guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com