James M. "Jay" Tapley, 80, of Emporia, KS formerly of Holton, KS passed away January 14, 2012 at the VA Hospital in Topeka. He was born November 9, 1931 in Kite, GA the son of Bascom and Katie (Ellis) Tapley.

Jay graduated from Kite High School IN 1949. He had lived in Emporia since 1995, he lived in Holton from 1962 -1995 and Germany from 1959 - 1961.

He served in the United States Army as Sgt. during the Korean Conflict. He worked for General Foods and Quaker Oats in Topeka from 1972 – 1993.

Jay was a member of the Hartford Christian Church, a life member V.F. W. Post #1980, a life member of American Legion Post #5 both in Emporia, a member of Masonic Lodge #20 in Circleville and Arab Shriners Temple #9075 in Topeka.

He married June Ann Kaul on September 20, 1958 in Holton. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kathy Tapley and 3 sisters, Maudie Powell, Juanita Claxton and Eloise Tapley.

Survivors include his companion and caregiver, Betty Birchmeier of Emporia, his son, James M. Tapley (Janis) of Holton, grandson, Steven Tapley; 2 great-grandsons, Seth & Spencer Tapley and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday January 19, 2012 at Charter Funerals in Emporia. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service. Inurnment with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Disabled Veterans and the Shriners c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.