James L. “Jim” Bettles was born May 7, 1942 near Delavan Kansas the son of Jessie and Marjorie (Platz) Bettles. He grew up in the Wilsey area and graduated from Wilsey High School.

On April 5, 1970 he married Patricia Ann Harrison in Abilene. Jim and Patricia made their home in Enterprise where Jim worked for CE/ABB and worked as a part time policeman. Following the closing of CE/ABB, Jim became the Police Chief of Enterprise where he retired after receiving recognition for 25 years of dedicated service. He was very well respected and honored in his community.

Jim was an ornery man who had no shortage of jokes, keys hanging from his belt loop, embellished fish stories and a smile for everyone he met. Jim was a longstanding member of The Shriners/Masons Society as well as the Lion’s Club. Jim loved fishing, hunting, camping, playing pool and watching sports.

He is survived by his children Roger Brock of Herington, Debra (Ryan) Elder of Hope, Sheryl Ward of Abilene, and Michael (Penny) Bettles of Salina, sisters Juanita Roberts of Council Grove, Karen Redding of Waverly, 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia in 2006 and his son Steven Bettles in 2009, and his parents Jessie and Marjorie Bettles.

Funeral services for Jim will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene with Pastor Stan Norman officiating. His final resting place will be in the Hope City Cemetery with Masonic Burial Rites. Jim’s family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dickinson County or to the Fraternal Order of Police and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.