Jimmy Martin "Jim" Magathan, Jr.

Jimmy M. “Jim” Magathan, Jr. Emporia, Kansas, passed away at his home Monday, January 15, 2024 at the age of 69.

Jimmy Martin “Jim” Magathan, Jr. was born in Marion, Kansas on July 6, 1954, the son of Jimmy Martin and Lola Earline (Perkins) Magathan, Sr.  Jim married Rita S. (Scrivner) Magathan on June 22, 1995 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She survives of the home. Also surviving are his brothers, Monte Magathan, Marion, KS and Kerry (Katie) Magathan, Wichita, KS; sister, Denise Magathan, Whitewater, KS; step-son, Ryan A Magathan and step-daughter, Melinda L. Magathan, both in Hillsboro, OR; step-grandson, Andre J. Caywood; and several nieces and nephews, and his favorite aunt, Shirley Nienstedt.  His parents died earlier.

Jim attended Marion (Ks) schools and was active in athletics. He played basketball and ran track during his Junior and Senior year he was a member of the mile relay team that won the 2A state championship, setting a record in the process. Following high school he attended Emporia State University (then Kansas State Teachers College) on a track scholarship. After college he was the produce manager for Reeble’s South Grocery Store.  He owned and operated Magathan Home Repair and was a general contractor building custom homes and solar installations. He was also a Code Enforcement Inspector for the City of Emporia, Kansas for 21 years until retiring 7 years ago.

He was a true KU Fan and enjoyed watching college basketball, bowling, and Chiefs football. His favorite pastime though, was fishing off his boat in Melvern and Coffey County Lakes. He was even an accomplished fishing rod crafter

Graveside services will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, Kansa on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.  The family will receive friends at the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home Monday, January 22, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Memorials have been established with the “What’s In Outdoors” fund youth fishing. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home. PO Box #175, Emporia, KS 66801.