James "Jim" V. Claeys

James (Jim) V. Claeys, 81, of Marysville, KS, died peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Community Memorial Healthcare, surrounded by family and friends.

A rosary service will be held at 10:00 a.m., March 7 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, Marysville, KS.  A funeral service will follow immediately at 10:30 a.m. 

Burial will take place in the Marysville City Cemetery.

Jim was born on April 25, 1944, in Yakima Washington to Victor and June Claeys.

Jim was a proud Army Veteran! Jim served as a Captain with the 101st Airborne Division's Long Range Reconnaissance Squad, The Black Dragons. Jim completed two tours in Vietnam: one lasting 13 months, and another 6 months. Jim served from 1962-1964. Jim earned his GED while in military service.

After his time in the military, Jim returned to Marysville. Throughout his career, he held various positions but spent much of his life working in paint and body repair, trucking, farming, serving as site manager for Yakima Speedway, and, most recently, Jim worked as House Manager at the American Legion Post #163, where he was well-liked, especially by Bar Manager Amanda Wienck. He valued their friendship. He took great pride in serving the American Legion, affectionately referring to it as his “club”. Jim could be found, daily, at the end of the bar, drink in hand, often sharing stories and harassing staff and patrons.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister Janice Haas, brother-in-law Greg Haas, and his nephew Jerard Haas.

Jim is survived by his brother, Jerry Claeys of Marysville, KS; his sister, Theresa Edmunds (Pete) of Manhattan, KS; his sons, Joe Claeys (Ally) of Yakima, WA, and Steve Hozjan of Selah, WA. His grandchildren Joey Claeys Jr., Tim Claeys, Ally Chandler (Kyle), Sarah, Jeremy, Kaylyn, Colton Hozjan, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Jim is also remembered by his nieces Saundra Haas (Sami), Melissa Haas (Missy), Mandy Keller (Scott), Lindsey Mann, and Katie Zimmerman, as well as nephews Marcus Haas, Josh Mann, and Ryan Zimmerman, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Jim was cherished by many.

He shared a close, family-like bond with Sheldon and Colleen Voet. Jim regarded Sheldon and Colleen as part of his own family, and Sheldon’s four children—Madison, Chloe, Paxton, and Lilly—were especially dear to him.

Jim enjoyed time with family and friends, especially summers in Washington State with his son Joe. There, they hunted, fished, boated, camped, and attended events like gun shows, bike rallies, car shows, concerts, and races. Jim had many friends on the west coast.

Jim spent his remaining time in Marysville with family, often sharing coffee and conversation at the kitchen table with his sister Janice. He was a constant figure at family events, attending birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. He was a steady presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, Kansas 66508.