James Harold Dale "Jim", long time resident of Burlington, KS, passed away Nov. 3rd. He was 87. Jim was born July 10, 1936, in Iola KS. He was one of two children of Harold J. Dale and Lucille Dale Pauley. He graduated high school in 1954. He then joined the United States Navy. In 1956 he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Iola and attended Iola Junior College, graduating with an associates degree. At that time, there was such a shortage of teachers Jim was able to get a teaching certificate and then finish up his BS in education the following two summers, at Emporia Teachers College. On October 2nd, 1957, Jim married Marilyn Murphy in LeRoy Kansas. They became the parents of 5 children. Years later they were divorced.

Jim taught and coached for several school districts in Kansas, until moving his family out to California. While in California, Jim continued to teach, work with his brother Bruce in the car business and continue pursuing his music career. In 1978, Jim moved his family back to Kansas.  In 1983 Jim married Berta Jacobs. He worked at various power plants, finishing his career, and retiring from the State of Kansas. Jim served as a USD 244 School board member, served as a Coffey County Commissioner and was currently on the Coffey County Hospital Board.

Jim began his music career, in the 1950's. He was a songwriter and recording artist. Over the years he wrote songs for several country and western artists, notably Hank Williams Jr. and Buck Owens. In 2019 he was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. In his younger years he loved to hunt and fish. He was an avid Jayhawk fan. Most importantly he loved attending his grandchildren's activities.

Jim is survived by his wife, Berta, of the home; daughters, Jamie (Chris Menard), Jan (Tim Martin), and Jill Leach; step-daughter, Brandee (Jeff Clark); step-sister, Dottie Vance; 20 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bruce; and sons Jay and Justin.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Radiant Life Church in New Strawn, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.