James "Jim" Eugene Lederer Jr., 61, of Meriden, KS, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at his home. He was born on March 18, 1959 in Winchester, KS, the son of James Eugene, Sr. and Helen Leona (Pitts) Lederer.

Jim graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1977 and earned his certification in TV/Radio Repair from Kaw Valley Vocational School. Jim was a successful Journeyman Industrial Electrician for multiple companies to include Goodyear, Westar and Flexel. He enjoyed being an electrician and his family was very proud of his accomplishments. He was a hard worker and devoted much of his life to working many hours to support his family.

In 1980, Jim married Jerriann Cohorst in Marysville, KS. They had two children Jacqueline Casto and Anthony Lederer. In 1993, they bought a farm house located in the town of Meriden, KS where they raised their children. In 2008, Jim and Jerriann divorced.

Jim loved to tell jokes, although not everyone shared the same sense of humor. He had riddles for days and sayings that made you shake your head, smile and laugh. He was one of the smartest men you would ever meet, a fountain of knowledge.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a proud Shriner.  As part of the Masonic Lodge, he enjoyed giving back to the community.

Dad, Grandpa, Brother, and Friend, he was loved by those who were lucky enough to see his softer side and be a part of his life. He will be forever loved and missed, but never forgotten.

Survived by, daughter Jackie Casto and son AJ Lederer (Danessa); 2 sisters: Cindi Stueland (Terry) and Jeannie Dillon (James); 3 nephews: Guy, Kevin and Jimmy; 3 nieces: Angie, Angel and Riane; 6 grandchildren: Tyler, Weston, Isaac, Levi, Ellie, Elsali, and great granddaughter Isabel. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Helen Lederer and niece Becky Todd.

Family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Inurnment will be at a later date at Valley Falls Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission. Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.