James DeLost "Jim" Brese, Jr, 75, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at ANEW Healthcare in Easton, KS. He was born September 13, 1949 in Holliday, KS, the son of James DeLost Brese, Sr. and Thelma Louise (Folsom) Brese.

Jim attended school in Bennington, OK.  He proudly served in the United States Army.

He was a member of Jefferson County for over 40 years. Jim worked for Hamms as a heavy equipment operator, operating a D9 Dozer for 15 years.

He was a past member of Ozawkie American Legion Post 225. Jim enjoyed his family, grandkids, hunting and fishing.

Jim married Julie Knight, they later divorced.

He married Sherry Lyn Riley on January 13, 1976 in Holton, KS. They celebrated over 48 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry of the home; 3 daughters, Jackie Garrison of New York City, Lori Brese of Olathe, KS and Kiley Brese of Nortonville, KS; 3 sons, James Johnson of Oskaloosa, KS, James DeLost Brese, III of Topeka, KS and Greg Brese of Topeka, KS; 3 sisters, Brenda Patton (Leon), Patricia Brese and Pam Brune all of Oklahoma; 2 brothers, Tommy Brese (Wilonna) of Kansas City, KS and John Brese of Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren, Justin, Marisa, Cody, Allison, Damian, Caden and Shylyn and 3 great-grandchildren, Aniyah, Malina and Asiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma Brese; 2 sisters, Thelma Louise "Lou" Seeley and Sandy Brese and a brother, Joe Brese.

Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls, Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the Ozawkie American Legion Post 225 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.