James L. “J.T.” Theis 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 at Via Christi, St. Francis in Wichita, Kan. He was born April 3, 1935 in Ft. Scott, Kan. and was adopted by Nick and Marcella Gresl Theis. On Sept. 20, 1958 he married Phyllis L. Rau in Colwich, Kan. and she survives.
J.T. was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton and retired from the Newton Fire/EMS in 1985 after 28 years of service. He proudly served his country and was a U.S. Army Veteran.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home; daughter Becky and son-in-law, of Newton; daughter Brenda and son-in-law, of Derby; and one son Kenneth Theis, of Texas; sister Jean Struble, of Ponca City. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
J.T. is preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Patrick and Greg Theis.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton with the Reverend Devin Burns celebrant. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the Mass at 9:30 a.m., at the church.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A private graveside committal will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Newton Fire/EMS or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.