James "Jim" Francis Underwood age 86 went home to be with his Lord on February 23, 2022. Jim was born on August 25, 1936, in Milwaukee, OR. to the late Burchie and Ruby (Rhoades) Underwood. In 1938, his family moved back to Norton and this is where Jim made his home. While a senior in high school Jim joined the Army Reserves. After high school he worked on the paint and garden crew for the State Sanatorium. He then went to Fort Carson Colorado for two weeks of boot camp after which he joined the Navy. He took his basics at the Great Lakes in Chicago. In the latter part of 1957, he went to work for his dad Burchie at the Underwood Conoco station in Norton. On October 11, 1958, he married Wenda L. Taylor. They have 3 daughters. Patty, Theresa and Connie. In 1973, after his dad Burchie retired Jim took over the Underwood Conoco station. After 50 years, Jim retired from the station. The Underwood Conoco station was the last full-service station in downtown Norton.
Jim was active with the Norton Jaycees. He was the director in 1971 and won the Gold Key Man’s award. He was the Jaycees girls’ softball director and coached his daughters’ teams for many years. Jim was on a couple of bowling teams one of them being the Underwood Conoco Team. He was a member of the Norton Squarenaders beginning in 1972 and serving as Vice President and President of the club. Jim was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He belonged to the Eagles, American Legion, ABC Bowling Association and the Conoco Inc. Dealers Association. Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Jim will be remembered for his love of his family, his customers and friends who traded with him at the station and his love of the outdoors. This note was found in his billford. The kiss of the sun for pardon. The song of the bird for mirth. One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth. The garden was Jim’s happy place. Jim loved his hometown of Norton Kansas. Ask Jim anything that had to do with Norton and he could tell you the history and who was related to who in Norton. He was a walking history book of Norton Kansas.
Survivors include three daughters Patty Fitzmaurice and her husband Rev. David Fitzmaurice, Belgrade MO., Theresa Underwood Palo, KS., and Connie Ellis and husband Glen Ellis Lenora KS. Four grandchildren Joshua Fitzmaurice Bend OR., Silas Fitzmaurice Chesterfield MO., William Seven Jones Denver CO., and James Jones Palo, KS. One sister Bonnie (Underwood) and husband Dr. William Lathrop Lawrence KS., and one brother Jerry and Sybil Underwood Leawood, KS: eight great grandchildren: other relatives and his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Wenda Underwood and his parents Burchie and Ruby Underwood.
Cremation was chosen. A graveside service will be held Monday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m. in the Norton Cemetery with Rev. David Fitzmaurice officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home