James W "Jim" Cleland

James “Jim” Willard Cleland died December 22, 2014. He was born August 23, 1936 in Sabetha, KS to Pearl McKim Cleland and Willard James Cleland of Hoyt, KS. He moved to WaKeeney, KS in October of 1944 when his father opened Cleland Drug Store. He graduated from Kansas University and the KU School of Pharmacy in 1959. While there, he met Kathryn Belgard whom he married January 24, 1960 and they became devoted partners in life and every adventure they could dream up. He cared deeply for his community and served on many committees thru his lifetime, such as the Trego County Fair board, Water Conservation, Economic Development, Smoky Hill Trail Society, Masonic Lodge 148 AF&AM of Kansas, 32nd Degree Wichita Consistory, and too many others to mention. But his favorite was the Aos Dana, or better known to most as Th’ Gatherin’. It brought people to Trego County from all over the world, Scotland, Japan, Holland, Ireland, British Isles, and States and provinces all across the Northern Hemisphere. It united people for one weekend a year and reminded them of their own heritage. The Celtic games were held for local athletes and athletes from all over the US. Jim believed in “thinking outside of the box” and he took it as a challenge when someone would say “that’s how it has always been done”. It was his open-minded thinking which inspired him to pursue many different areas of interest and not be afraid to try something new. He helped create Great Plains Red, Inc, an identity preserved high protein wheat marketing company which changed how wheat is marketed. He helped engineer one of the first sailing simulator prototypes for Chrysler Corporation. His pharmacy was a beta test site for one of the very first pharmacy computer programs. He was a master wood worker and together with his friends, old and new, they created “Boudaccia” a hand crafted wooden, Viking style boat capable of inland sailing. He loved horses and was instrumental in bringing harness racing to Kansas. And the list goes on. Jim’s passion for his pharmacy patients compelled him to dedicate his life to patient rights, and advocate for safety and fair prices for pharmacy medications. Through his service on the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy 1973 – 1977, and serving for a term as President of the Board, he was able to assist in the drafting of many laws regarding patient safety and pharmacy practice which still stand today. While we remember Jim for his many ideas and adventures, he will best be remembered for what he brought to each of us, individually. He was a cowboy, a horseman, a sailor, a Boy Scout Master, a proud Scotsman, a democrat, a dreamer, a poet, a writer, an avid reader of literature and history, a lover of philosophy, a master debater, a comedian and a friend. He was generous, wise, charitable, ornery, fun and full of life. Jim shared his gifts of wisdom, discipline, kindness, humor and unwavering love with his children: James Andrew Cleland and his wife Bobbi of Dolores, CO; Marshall Stuart Cleland and his wife Christine of WaKeeney, KS; and Elizabeth Anne Cleland Harvey and her husband Mike of Salina, KS. He was a proud, strong, brilliant mentor to his grandchildren, always encouraging them to be true to themselves and follow their bliss. Madison Marie Cleland, Denver, CO; Ian Micheal Harvey, Hays, KS; Taylor Elise Cleland, Las Vegas, NV; Erin Elizabeth Harvey, Hays, KS; Hannah and Jeremiah Tjossem, Dolores, CO; Addison Kate Harvey, Salina, KS; Shaelyn Marie Cleland and James Alexander Cleland, both of WaKeeney, KS. His love for these souls gave him peace and a tremendous sense of pride. He also leaves behind a loving sister, Yolanda Cleland Erickson, Taos, NM; a nephew, Kenneth Cleland Erickson, Columbia, SC; nieces, Diane Cleland Eriksson, Taos, NM; Sarah Cleland Erickson Krank and husband Mark of Cheyenne, WY; and Laura Cleland Erickson Richardson and husband Scott, Simpsonville, KY. Great nephews Nickolai Gasowski and Kenneth Richardson, and great nieces Emily Condrey and husband Marc and baby Keira, Olivia Richardson and Anna Richardson. Memorials may be made to St Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326, or www.stjo.org/give, or 1-800-341-2235; An organization which was always dear to Jim’s heart. The memorials may also be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, Kansas 67669. There will be no service at this time, but a celebration of his life will be announced in the spring. Peace be with you, peace I give to you... every man dies, not every man truly lives. JIM CLELAND LIVED.