James Donald Lindley

On April 2, 2025, After a short illness while on Hospice. Our sister Janis was with James in his final days and moments here on Earth. He died in the hospice unit in Grove City, Ohio. Many family members were online with him during his final days. James was a beloved son and brother has returned to his God and Savior Jesus Christ. James has been reunited with family, cousins, aunt/uncle and ancestors who have passed on - what a blessed reunion he is having! James had a strong faith and would often share his testimony with others, he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many knew him as a faithful home teacher, chorister, greeter, and activity helper.

James was affectionately known as Jimmy the 5th child of eight children. Jimmy is survived by his mother, brothers Gordon, Gary and Steve and two sisters Janis and Nancy. Preceding Jimmy's death were brother Ronald, Sister Joanna and his Father Donald.

Jimmy was born with disabilities and never let them hold him back. He loved people and wanted everyone to have a friend and never be alone. He had a great memory of friend’s phone numbers, keeping in touch with many daily with a weather, sports or happy birthday call. Jimmy graduated from High School in Manhattan, Kansas. He loved to play basketball, football and softball. He was a Kansas Special Olympics multiple Gold medal winner in softball and basketball.

Jimmy worked as best he could for many organizations (Big Lakes in Manhattan, Lawrence, and Dodge City Kansas). In 2001 he moved to Colorado to be near family and his last 6 years he lived with or near Janis. James was a sports fan for many football teams (KSU, Ohio, Air Force Academy), with KU Basketball one of his favorites. James loved College bowl games and March madness.

Jimmy loved ice cream, pizza, hot dogs and would eat most anything. Our family went on a cruise to Alaska 2008, one of many family memory with James was most pleasurable for us to be together. We prepared him so he would not be seasick and he had the entire ship and visiting the ports in Alaska.

James Donald Lindley will be will be laid to rest in the family plot Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

We pray for the day of our great reunion with our beloved son and brother who will be perfect and no longer burden by his disabilities experienced in this earthly life.

A Celebration of Life is to be announced. Please check back.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Special Olympics group.