James "Jim" Leander Cashman

James “Jim” Leander Cashman, 77, of Whiting, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at his home in Whiting, KS. He was born January 24, 1949, in Horton, Kansas, the son of Leander Orland and Mary Katherine (Poston) Cashman. Jim graduated from Whiting High School in 1968.

Jim worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Scheid Construction for many years before owning and operating his own trucking company, Cashman Trucking, for more than 40 years. He retired in 2020, but retirement did not keep Jim from staying busy. He continued driving a truck and helping with the local harvest, doing what he enjoyed and staying connected to the work he knew so well.

Jim had a lifelong love of motorcycles and enjoyed tractor drives, swap meets, rebuilding and repairing cars, and just about any opportunity to tinker. He had a remarkable understanding of how things worked and operated, and he took great personal satisfaction in figuring out how to fix them. Whether it was a truck, tractor, car, or something around the house, Jim was always willing to take a look and see what he could do. His curiosity, mechanical ability, and willingness to lend a hand were a big part of who he was.

Jim was united in marriage to Darlene Sue Dillner on December 28, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri. Together, they made their home in Whiting.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leander and Mary Katherine Cashman.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of the home; his son, David James Cashman (Jennifer) of Topeka, Kansas; step-sons, T.J. Nelson (Deanna) of Garnett, Kansas, Paul Nelson of Topeka, Kansas, and James Nelson of Abilene, Kansas; 13 step-grandchildren, Jonathan Nelson (Cheynne), Fred Nelson, Natalie Nelson, Harley Nelson, Charlie Nelson, Reynah Smith, Leo Duncan, Darlene Nelson, Madyson Nelson, Tristan Nelson, Owen Nelson, Sophie Nelson, and Everly Nelson; and two grandchildren, Adyson and Taitum Cashman.

Jim will be remembered for his hardworking nature, mechanical know-how, love of the open road, and the simple satisfaction he found in fixing things and helping others. His willingness to keep busy, his enjoyment of the things he loved, and the time he shared with his family will be fondly remembered by those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at Powhattan Cemetery in Brown County.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Mercer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Redneck Games – Wetmore or the Jackson Heights FFA Tractor Drive, c/o Mercer Funeral Home, 1101 W. 4th Street, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.