James B. McNerney Sr. 1-13-1933 to 12-26-2025, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family to be with his Lord Jesus Christ and family members and friends that preceded him.  Jim was born in Imperial PA to parents Lennea B. (Helstrom) McNerney and father James F. McNerney.  He grew up in the Pittsburgh, PA area and attended McKeesport High School, before coming to Wichita to play basketball for Ralph Miller and the WU Shockers. 

Jim was successful in playing sports as well as coaching.  That success carried over when he left coaching and entered the business world.  Jim was a great father, husband, friend, mentor, coach and businessman.  Over the years he had many former students, athletes, and business associates seek him out for advice, or just to thank him and tell him of the positive effect he had on them, be it from teaching, coaching or working with one another.  He had a wonderfully positive effect on many.

Jim was also involved in Blue Lodge, with the Consistory, Shrine, and Jesters.  He was a 70 year member of Albert Pike Lodge #303.  Became active at the Midian Shrine in the mid 60’s, starting out in the Foot Patrol.  He was actively involved with the Kansas Shrine Bowl High School Football game, and was President of the Shrine Bowl in 1979.  He became Potentate of the Midian Shrine in 1984, with his slogan “Soar For More In 84”, to grow and promote the Midian Temple in central Kansas.  He was also an active member in the Wichita Royal Order of Jesters, Court #76 as well as Director in 1989.

Jim is survived by his wife Allison, sons Cody of Wichita, Jim Jr. (Bev) McNerney of Wichita, Tom McNerney of Wichita, and daughter Valerie Bachelder (Jeff) of Ocala, FL. Sister-in-law Stacey (Jim) Warner of Manhattan, Ks., Madeleine (Clint) Rusk of Kansas City, KS, and Craig (Kathy) Miller of Cassoday, KS. Four grandchildren and three great granddaughters.  He also had several first and second cousins in Central and Eastern PA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lennea and James McNereny, many aunts and uncles, his former wife Kathy, his brother and sister-in-law Chuck and Dottie McNerney.

As per Jim’s request, in lieu of a funeral, there will be a Celebration of Life on January 3, 2026 at the Candle Club located at 6135 E 13th St. N in Wichita from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.  Jim celebrated a long full life.  Let’s just remember his big smile, and know he is with us in spirit and we’ll be together again someday.

SERVICES

Celebration of Life

Saturday, January 03, 2026 
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Candle Club
6135 E 13th St. N
Wichita, KS

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Plane of Mercy Fund for the Midian Shrine Temple.

Address:  Plane of Mercy Fund/James McNerney

                Midian Shrine Temple   130 N Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202