James "Jim" Franklin Kientz

View Memorial Slideshow James “Jim” Franklin Kientz, 73, Wamego, KS passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS. Jim was born on July 28, 1942 to Albert and Clara (King) Kientz in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated from Wamego High School in 1960 before attending Kansas State University where he received two Master’s Degrees. He also attended Cornell University, and received his Ed.S degree from Emporia State University. He was united in marriage with Maria Antonia Valadares on January 25, 1989 in Marabá, Pará, Brazil. She survives of the home. Jim loved farming. He grew a variety of row crops as well as other fruits and vegetables. He also taught physics and chemistry at Manhattan High School, Garden City Community College, and Highland Community College. He was an active member in Three Rivers Inc. Jim was recently inducted into the Wamego Athletic Hall of Fame for winning two state championships in cross country, in which he was known as the “Barefoot Boy” for running his races barefoot. He also was a missionary in Brazil for 10 years where he met his wife. His work in Brazil was his most influential part of his life. He is also survived by a son: Diego Valadares Kientz, Omaha, NE; a daughter: Clara “Hannah” Valadares Kientz, Manhattan, KS; a brother: Albert Kientz, Jr. (Juanita), Las Cruces, NM; a nephew: Chris Kientz, Vancouver, Canada; a niece: Heather Dallam, Dallas, TX; an aunt and uncle, one great-niece and one great-nephew, and several cousins. Memorial services for Jim will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Inurnment will follow at the Wamego City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family has suggested memorials to the Project Rescue of Amazon Youth (P.R.A.Y.), and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.