James Francis Drouhard, also known as Jimmie, was born on September 2, 1949 in Harper, Kansas to Edward Francis and Helen Leona (Wedman) Drouhard.  He grew up on the family farm near Danville, Kansas along with his six siblings.  Jim attended grade school at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Danville and then Harper High School, graduating with the class of 1967.  He was a kind and caring person and a dedicated, hard worker.  Jim was fond of farming and loved helping his parents with plowing and planting the fields.  He showed up every summer at harvest to cut the wheat.

Enlisting in the United States Navy on November 12, 1968, the adventure began as Jim spent almost four years on the USS Kretchmer exploring many countries.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and with the rank of Engineman Third Class, Jim was Honorably Discharged on October 26, 1972 into the Naval Reserves.

Jim was blessed with four daughters: Jennifer, Amy, Anne, and Julie.  Working as an aircraft machinist, he spent many years working for Cessna, Boeing, and Spirit.  He was a dedicated member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Keeping busy with work and the family farm, Jim still found time to enjoy fishing.  His favorite holiday was Fourth of July as he would become a kid again setting off fireworks.  He also had a passion for Fords and his prized possession, a 1964 Ford Mustang.

Jim had become a resident of Homestead of Crestview Assisted Living in Wichita, Kansas.  This is where he passed away at the age of 74 on March 21, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen Drouhard and two sisters, Barbara Jean Drouhard and Janice Klein.  Jim is survived by his daughters: Jennifer Lardie (Chad) of Athens, Alabama, Amy Rogers (Kevin) of Mt. Hope, Kansas, Anne Black of Haysville, Kansas, and Julie Rogers of Harper; siblings: Ron Drouhard (Judy) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Nancy Galbraith (Mike) of Augusta, Kansas, Ruth Ann Newsum (Jeff) of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Roger Drouhard (Jill) of Danville; nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Rosary is 10:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Danville, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community with Father Bob Pinninti officiating.  A private family inurnment will take place at the Fairview Cemetery, Danville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058.