James (Jim) G. Kahrs

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Franklin Congregational Church in memory of Jim.

James “Jim” Grant Kahrs passed away at the age of 77 on October 5, 2024, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on April 10, 1947, in a farmhouse south of Bloomington, Nebraska, to Kenneth and Emily (Douglass) Kahrs. He was the fifth born of six children. He attended primary school in Bloomington through his junior year, graduating from Franklin High School as a senior with the Class of 1965. 

Jim attended Kearney State College briefly and joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1966. There, he served for six years, achieving the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. He loved telling stories of his time in the National Guard and those he served with.

On October 26, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Susan Gifford. Three children were born into this union: Deborah Sue, Angela Jo, and Michael James. Later, Cody Allen joined the family.

Jim and Susan started and raised their family on a farm south of Bloomington, where they spent most of their lives. In 2012, they moved to Franklin due to Jim’s health, letting Michael take over most of the farming responsibilities. 

Jim’s passion was farming; that was all he wanted to do his entire life. He taught his children good work ethics and how to have a sense of humor. He always enjoyed a good practical joke. He enjoyed his neighbors, and he adored his kids and grandchildren. Jim was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandchild due to join us any day.

Jim was proud to be a member of American Legion Post 145 in Bloomington. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Franklin, where he served on the board of trustees. This church had a special meaning in his life. It is where he and all three of his children, along with several of his grandchildren, were baptized. His wife Susan would be baptized there as well as an adult. Jim and all three of his children were all married there at various points in his life. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Emily Kahrs, his aunt Ruth Douglass, In-laws Homer and Patricia Gifford, brothers-in-law Elliott Nielsen, Delmer Meyer, Wendell Land and Terry Steinkruger and Granddaughter April Schamp. 

He is survived by wife Susan, daughters Deborah (Gary) Schamp, Gibbon, Angela (Mike) Stokes, Liberty, Missouri, son Michael (Michelle) Kahrs, Bloomington and Cody (Beth) Anderson, Sparta, Tennessee. Grandson Bret (Athena) Schamp, Grand Island, Jobey Stokes, Ft. Bliss, Texas, Delaney Stokes, Liberty, Missouri, Grant Kahrs, Bloomington and Lane and Layla Anderson; brothers Doug (Betty) Kahrs and Bill (Janea) Kahrs; sisters Ruth Steinkruger, Judy Meyer Nielsen and Sara Beth (Denny) Dorn; sisters-in-law Peg Land and Sheryl (Wayne) Bach; brothers-in-law Dennis Gifford and Mike (Michelle) Gifford; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Friday, October 11, 2024 at the United Congregational Church, Franklin, Nebraska with Pastor Jay Towell officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Franklin Congregational Church.