MINNEOLA - James Stewart, "Jim", Tedford, 94, Minneola Kansas, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Minneola Long Term Care. He was born February 18, 1923, in Albia, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Blanche (Taylor) Tedford.

Jim moved to Minneola in 1941, where he met his future wife, Lois Beard. In those early years he worked at the IGA Store, Air Force Base in Dodge City, Minneola Drug Store and gave a try at selling State Farm Insurance. Eventually, he became a farmer working on the Frank Tedford farm until he retired in 1985.

A longtime resident of Minneola, Jim served on the City Council, the School Board, Co-op Board and was a charter member of the Minneola Community Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher.

Jim will be remembered most for being a friend to whoever he met, his love of life, love for his family, love for laughter, and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Survivors include two sons, Mark (Linda), Palmyra, PA, and Randy (Shari), Gardner, KS; a daughter, Gayle (Alan) Cureton, Blaine, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carol Tedford, Minneola; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a sister, Alberta Tedford, Washington, IA, a brother, Paul Tedford, San Diego, CA, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Jay; and two sisters.

Funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2017, at the Minneola Community Church. Private family burial will be in Appleton Township Cemetery, rural Minneola, preceding the funeral. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00, at Minnis Mortuary in Minneola.

Memorials may be sent to Minneola Long Term Care or the Minneola Community Church, in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 459, Minneola, Kansas 67865.