James Bryan "Jim" Applegarth, of Gardner, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the age of 66. Born April 29, 1959, to Jack and Mary Applegarth (Richardson), Jim was the sixth of eight children. His early years were filled with the kind of hardworking, rough-and-tumble spirit that would define the rest of his life.
Jim began his career in the 1980s as a truck driver for McAnanyConstruction before moving on to spend approximately 15 years with Miami County as a Road Grader. Eventually, he launched his own independent contracting business—an endeavor that not only showcased his skill and determination but also gave him the opportunity to employ his children during summer breaks. He closed out his working years with Waste Management in Miami County in 2021.
He met his wife, Holly, at a street dance in Spring Hill, Kansas, and the two were married in 1992 at the Spring Hill Methodist Church. Their love and partnership were a steady foundation throughout the years.
A man of many talents and passions, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and DIY projects around the farm. There wasn't much he couldn't fix or build—he constructed a new addition to the house, a barn, and a deck with his own hands. He was also a loyal NASCAR fan, never missing a chance to cheer on Dale Earnhardt, with whom he proudly shared a birthday.
In his younger years, Jim could often be found at the rodeo—either in the ring riding bulls and bulldogging or on the sidelines coaching his kids
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Applegarth (Richardson).
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—a man who lived his life with grit, humor, and heart.
Memorials are to the Miami County Fair Board in memory of Jim.
James Bryan "Jim" Applegarth, of Gardner, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the age of 66. Born April 29, 1959, to Jack and Mary Applegarth (Richardson), Jim was the sixth of eight children. His early years were filled with the kind of hardworking, rough-and-tumble spirit that would define the rest of his life.
Jim began his career in the 1980s as a truck driver for McAnanyConstruction before moving on to spend approximately 15 years with Miami County as a Road Grader. Eventually, he launched his own independent contracting business—an endeavor that not only showcased his skill and determination but also gave him the opportunity to employ his children during summer breaks. He closed out his working years with Waste Management in Miami County in 2021.
He met his wife, Holly, at a street dance in Spring Hill, Kansas, and the two were married in 1992 at the Spring Hill Methodist Church. Their love and partnership were a steady foundation throughout the years.
A man of many talents and passions, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and DIY projects around the farm. There wasn't much he couldn't fix or build—he constructed a new addition to the house, a barn, and a deck with his own hands. He was also a loyal NASCAR fan, never missing a chance to cheer on Dale Earnhardt, with whom he proudly shared a birthday.
In his younger years, Jim could often be found at the rodeo—either in the ring riding bulls and bulldogging or on the sidelines coaching his kids
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Applegarth (Richardson).
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—a man who lived his life with grit, humor, and heart.
Memorials are to the Miami County Fair Board in memory of Jim.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
