OVERBROOK, Kan. – James A. Jolly, 84, of Overbrook, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Stormont-Vail, Topeka, Kan., surrounded by family, from injuries suffered in tractor accident. He was born Feb. 23, 1939, in Burlingame, Kan., the son of James and Edna (True) Jolly.

James graduated from Overbrook High School with the class of 1957. He attended Washburn University, Topeka.

He was united in marriage to Martha L. Albright, Dec. 27, 1958, at Highland Park Methodist Church, Topeka. They shared more than 64 years of marriage.

James was a mechanical and electrical engineer. He worked for United Telephone Company, Overbrook, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Topeka, Burgess Latimer and Miller Engineering, Topeka, Burgess Engineering, Topeka, Young’s Plumbing, Topeka, and Northbrook Lumber Company, Overbrook, until he became self-employed building houses and drawing up plans.

James was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Overbrook and was a past president of the Overbrook Jaycees. He enjoyed coaching baseball and softball teams for his children, farming, fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards and dominos, and searching for morel mushrooms.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Anita Jolly-Maichel; a great-granddaughter, Brileigh Jess Jolly; sisters Melissa Rowe, Eva Avery, Amy Ferris, and Wilma Jolly; and brothers, Merle, Ted, Harold and William Burgess, Bob Wilson and Everett Jolly.

Survivors include his wife, Martha L. Jolly, of the home; children, David Jolly (Marlene) Ozawkie, Kan., Richard Jolly (Terie) Carbondale, Kan., Lisa Jolly (Joe Greene) Carbondale , James E. Jolly (Misty Short) Overbrook, and Bruce Jolly, Wichita, Kan.; brothers, Gene Burgess, Burlingame, and Marion Burgess, Lindale, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Jolly, Brian Jolly (Lyndsi), Kristi Shelton (Mike Higgins), Lori McCain (Chris), Jacob Jolly (Mallory), Morgan Jolly (Adam Smith), Trenten Ditty, Melissa Jolly-Breithaupt (Jacob), Monica Traphagan (Auston), and Savannah and Emileigh Short; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Kynleigh, Adym, Haley (Avontae), Austin, Cody, Blake, Shelbie, Madie, Hayden, Maelyn, Emmett, Noah, Tyler, and Wyatt; a great-great granddaughter, Carsen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Overbrook Public Library, 317 Maple St., Overbrook.

Memorial contributions can be made to Santa Fe Trail Athletic Fund or OCFD No. 4 and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.