James Simpson Pack, 76, passed away September 18, 2019, at his home in Burlington.

He was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 9, 1943, and was adopted by his Martha and T. E. Pack soon afterwards.  He attended Cabot High School and played saxophone in the band.

He and Zella Shirley were married in 1962. They were the parents of two children, James and Debra, and they traveled the world while he served in the US Army.  He and Zella were later divorced.

James was a Vietnam Veteran.  He served over eight years in the US Army, more than two of them overseas.  When honorably discharged from the 13th Signal Battalion – 1st Cavalry Division as a Staff Sergeant in 1974, his commendations included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

James later was married to Freda Mae Byers at Poteau, Oklahoma.  They moved to Burlington, Kansas, after their home in Cabot was destroyed in the historic 1976 tornado.  He began a career as a nuclear power plant operator at Wolf Creek Generating Station, near Burlington.  In 2005, James retired and pursued his hobbies of hunting and fishing, and his lifelong love of music.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Freda Pack; his first wife, Zella Earley; and his brother, Billy Pack.

He is survived by his children, James Mann of Burlington and Debra Mullane of Yates Center; a sister, Julia Smith of Pleasanton; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

A private memorial for the family is planned.