James J. Manser

To the agony of many and the relief of some, we announce the passing of James "Jim" John Manser, who had his final go-round on March 14th, 2025, at the distinguished age of 75. Jim entered this world stubborn and strong-willed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on December 22, 1949 and, by all accounts, never grew out of it. 

Jim never knew a stranger, only friends he hadn’t met yet. He would talk to everyone, often a little too much—cashiers, strangers on a bus, or anyone foolish enough to try pumping gas in peace. Even now, we’re certain he’s up in Heaven, asking St. Peter, "So, where are you from?" 

Jim cherished his family above all else and leaves behind his devoted wife, Barbara, his beloved children: Sarah, Molly, Cole, and Tyler; sons-in-law Anthony and Beau; and grandchildren Cael, Emma, Brie, Ellie, Libby, Teddy, and Elijah-all proudly inheriting his selective hearing and world-renowned orneriness. 

Jim would gladly argue he was right 99% of the time. The remaining 1%-he’d stubbornly argue that too. 

He has now moved on to the great recliner in the sky, where the remote is his alone and no one dares change the channel. However, we'd like to think we're his new favorite channel now. 

Life Lessons from Dad: 

● He drove more miles backward than any of us have forward. 

● He might have been born at night, but it certainly wasn't last night. 

● He "couldn't win for losing," yet never stopped trying. 

● He always reminded us, "It takes a man to make a man." 

Legacy Left Behind:

 ● A collection of tools and memorabilia no one knows how to use, but are afraid to throw away. 

● Meticulously kept diaries chronicling every minute detail of his children's lives. 

● A proud stack of PRCA Rodeo membership cards and pictures dating back to 1972, from years spent fearlessly bull riding and steer wrestling.

Jim’s laughter, charm, and tough love will forever echo in our hearts. So, in his memory, please tell a joke, insist you're right (even when you're clearly wrong), and talk to a stranger—preferably until they're looking desperately for an escape route. 

We celebrate Jim’s life and will honor his military service with burial in a veterans cemetery. In the meantime, the family asks that you spend time with loved ones, share a laugh, and never, ever change the channel on someone else’s remote