James Walter Meech, age 62, passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, with his wife, kids and close friends near, on his farm home near Fort Scott, Kan., after a battle with Gliosarcoma brain cancer. Jim was born April 18, 1957, in Fort Scott, the son of Dennis Walter and Estella E. (Gier) Meech.
He married Marita Miller on Sept. 8, 1984, in Fort Scott. They have two children, which he was extremely proud of, Elizabeth Marie Meech and John W. (JW) Meech.
As a young adult, Jim worked in the mechanic shop at Midwestern Distribution and Charlie Griffiths Cattle and also hauled cattle for Bob Walrod at Fort Scott Livestock on weekends.
Over the years, he enjoyed pulling his International 1066 farm tractor at local tractor pulls and was proud of his kids competing in pedal tractor pulls when they were young at the local, state, national and international levels. Jim beamed with pride when he talked about his kids’ horse and rodeo accomplishments.
Farming was deep in Jim’s blood. He was a very successful farmer, as he spent his entire life farming and ranching in Bourbon and Linn counties. Beginning after his graduation in 1975 from Fort Scott High School, Jim worked with his family on Triple M Farms, until his dad’s passing in 1992. From 1992-2012, Jim was a partner in Meech Brothers Farms. Since 2013, Jim worked/operated Jim Meech Farms with his wife, Marita.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marita, of the home; a daughter, Elizabeth Meech, Borger, Texas, and son JW Meech, Canyon, Texas; his mother-in-law, Venita Miller, Kincaid, Kan.; paternal aunts, Itha Jean and husband Harold Turntine, and Jewell Ross, Topeka, Kan.; and maternal aunts, Lela Ann Gier, Fort Scott, and Geneva Gier, Girard, Kan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis W. Meech; his paternal grandparents, Juell Walter Meech and Elsie May Finney Meech, and his uncle, Billy G. Meech; and his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Lizzie Goff Gier, his aunt, Opal Gier, and his uncles, Charles and Merle Gier.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton, Kan. Burial will be in the Glendale Cemetery near Hammond, Kan. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 6, 2019, at the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton.
The family suggests contributions to the Jim Meech Farmers/Ranchers in Health Crisis Fund. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com . Arrangements: Schneider Funerals, Pleasanton.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
