James “Jim” Paul Bethe was born to Paul & Cleda (Swisher) Bethe in Salina, Kansas on Friday the 13th in March of 1953. He was raised on the family farm in Gypsum with his three older sisters; Connie, Mary, & Sally. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his sister, Sally.

He married Vicki Mattison on July 1, 1977 and together they raised three daughters; Christy & Matt Clarkson, Jamie & Israel Killian, and Martha & Matt Maddy. He was known to brag about passing down “The Dreaded Bethe Purdy Curse” to his girls, his thirteen grandchildren and new great grandson.

As a welder by trade, he worked at Frisbee Construction, Exide Battery, and he retired from Great Plains Manufacturing.

Jim would frequently be found fishing with family and friends. His larger than life personality as a prankster prompted him to give bunny ears in family pictures at every opportunity. You could also spot him in a crowd wearing one of his many colorful Hawaiian shirts. (They were the only thing louder than him.)

Please join us in celebrating Jim’s life at a memorial service on Monday, December 20th at 2:00 at the Gypsum United Methodist Church located at 524 King Street in Gypsum. There will be a procession to the graveside service at Gypsum City Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church.

The viewing will take place Sunday, December 19th from 4:00-8:00 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th Street in Salina with family present from 4:00-6:00.

Memorials may be made to the Jim Bethe Memorial Fund in care of Ryan Mortuary.