James M. Geitz

Dr. James M. Geitz of Emporia, died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Golf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida. He was 79.

Jim was born on October 6, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Melvin and Alvina Drew Geitz. He married his wife of 55 years, Joan M. Salzer on August 7th, 1970, in Lawrence. She survives.

Surviving family members include his wife Joan M. Geitz of Emporia; sons, Jim (Amy) Geitz and Jon (Ali) Geitz both of Emporia and Jeff (Becka) Geitz of Salina; grandchildren, Cameron Geitz, Lily Geitz, Sammy Geitz, Lucy Geitz, Carson Geitz, and Molly Geitz; brother, Bob (Kerry Langan) Geitz of Oberlin, Ohio; sisters, Pat Miller of Lawrence, Barb (John) Donnelly of Berthoud, Colorado, and Mary (Ernie) Porter of Holton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jim came to Emporia in 1975 and was a physician at Internal Medicine Associates and its predecessors until retirement in 2013. During his working years he served as Chief of the Medical Staff and multiple terms on the Board of Directors of Newman Hospital. One of his favorite past times was arguing KU vs KSU with his patients and friends. He always supported ESU. He was a passionate woodworker his entire life, leaving a legacy of furniture and art. He was a member of Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia and St Leo's Catholic Church of Bonita Springs, Florida. He was a member of both the Emporia Country Club and Spring Run Golf Club. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, golfing, the Emporia Rec Center Ping Pong group, and the Rotary Club. Most importantly, he and Joan enjoyed family trips and attending the activities of their grandkids.

Cremation has taken place. The rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia with the visitation following from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Didde Catholic Campus Center. A private burial will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Newman Regional Health Foundation or the Geitz Family Scholarship Fund at the ESU Foundation can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.