James P. Menzies

James Peter Menzies, 82, died Sunday, May 20, 2007 at the Washington County Hospital. Jim was born on October 2, 1924, at Morrowville, to Peter James and Winifred (Darby) Menzies. He graduated from Washington High School in 1942. Jim was united in marriage to Viola Rogge on September 15, 1943 in Belleville, KS and made their home there until December 1943. Jim was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and was stationed in Camp Blanding, FL. His overseas departure for active duty happened on June 16, 1944. He saw battle in many campaigns such as Northern France, Normandy, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received many decorations during these campaigns such as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, EAME Ribbon, American Theatre, and World War II Victory Ribbon. He was wounded on October 1, 1944 at Naheim, Germany. Jim was a member of the 313th Infantry, 79th Division, and served under General George S Patton. Upon his discharge in 1945, he returned to farming three miles southwest of Washington. For a period of seven years, he farmed with his father, Peter J. Menzies, in a farming and feeding partnership. After farming, Jim and Vi moved to Washington in 1952 where Jim operated the Hill Oil Station. He later went to work for the Federal Government as a rural mail carrier, carrying mail out of Washington for 32 years before retiring. He was an active member of his community as well as in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Jim was an avid golfer and bowled for many years. He also loved spending time with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, The VFW and the DAV. Jim was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He was preceded in death by his mother Winifred in 1954; his father Peter James in 1962; and two sisters, Virginia Lillibridge and Clara Dodds. He is survived by his wife, Viola Menzies; a son, Peter Menzies and wife Diane, Overland Park, KS; two daughters, Barbara Farber and husband Jim, Lincoln, NE and Dr. Vicki Menzies, Miami, FL; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. The funeral service will be held, at 10:30 Thursday, May 24, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington. Pastor Richard Reumann will officiate. Burial will be in Washington City Cemetery with the Fort Riley Honor Guard acting as casket bearers. Visitation is at the Ward Funeral Home, Washington, Wednesday, May 23, 2007 from 5 to 8 pm. A memorial fund has been established to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to Meadowlark Hospice. Ward Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James P. Menzies, please visit our flower store.