Cimarron - James R. Gumescheimer, 69, passed away September 17, 2013 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. He was born on August 29, 1944 at Presque Isle, Maine the son of Reuben and Rose (Bruntz) Gumescheimer.

James -- or Jim, as many people knew him -- grew up in Bazine, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1983. During the Vietnam War he was with the Costal River Squad 1, Mobile Support Team 1, out of Da Nang. James married Emiko Mitsuyasu on April 3, 1969 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1970 they lived in Chula Vista, California, where they lived for 17 years. In 1987 they returned to Kansas to be closer to family, first to Bazine, and then to Cimarron in 1995. Emiko preceded him in death on January 20, 2009.

Jim earned his computer science degree while serving in the Navy. He was a computer programmer for several companies and most recently for Walco International. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, gardening, bird watching, photograpy, fishing and golf. More important, he touched everyone he met with his gentle kindness and easy laugh.

Jim was a member of the Valleyview Bible Church of Cimarron.

James is survived by his daughter Susan Ruettimann and husband Dan of Shawnee; two sisters, Marvia Miller and husband Fred of Colby, and Lois Miller and husband Kirk of Lacrosse; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Emiko and his parents.

Memorial services will be held at Valleyview Bible Church, Cimarron on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Darren Rempel presiding. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Valleyview Bible Church or Hospice Of The Prairie in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 6th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.