James Gary Llamas

J. Gary Llamas

J. Gary Llamas, 52, was born on Sept. 4, 1956, in Newton to Guadalupe and Marion (Saenz) Llamas. He died peacefully on Saturday (Oct. 18, 2008) in the presence of his two sons after a long battle with cancer. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge, where he was a member. A cremation burial will follow at a later date. Gary grew up in Newton and was part of the first graduating class of the current high school. He lived his entire life in the Newton, Hesston and Moundridge region.

Gary had several jobs over the years and was known for his strong work ethic. He began his working days with a paper route as a child and then helping at his father's Standard filling station in Newton. Other employers included the Santa Fe Railroad, Coleman, Excel Industries, the Moundridge Food Market, Prairie View, and most recently, United Methodist Youthville. Friends and coworkers inevitably will remember him for his good-natured pranks and hearty laugh.

Gary earned a seventh degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and taught many families and children over the years through the Hesston Recreation Commission, together with his father, son and close friends. He frequently donated his services to those with limited means. Gary was a generous man who gave in many other ways, including at one time as a volunteer in the prison ministry, and most recently, as a socialization companion to foster dogs in need of adoption. In death, he further sought to help others as an organ donor.

Gary was a man of many talents and skills, but his greatest love was children. He enjoyed working with all children but had a special place in his heart for those with psychological issues. His endless patience among youth with exceptional needs was evidenced later in life, especially through his work at United Methodist Youthville. Although only able to work occasionally in his final days, he took great pride in organizing clothing donations for children arriving at Youthville, sometimes with little more than what they were wearing.

Even in the face of terminal cancer, Gary will be remembered for his positive spirit and engaging personality. At peace with the finality of his illness and very strong in his personal faith, Gary was confident that he would experience eternal life. Although baptized as an infant, he planned to publicly demonstrate his faith through rebaptism this month at Eden Mennonite Church. His wish was honored prior to his death.

Gary was happy in his final days, remaining active through his work, helping a close friend with yard work and assisting with the care of foster dogs. The only thing he lacked was more time.

Survivors include sons, Cory A. Llamas of Hesston and Levi Llamas of Moundridge; brothers, Phillip Llamas of Wichita, Guadalupe Llamas Jr. of Texas and Mark Llamas of Newton; sisters, Mary Short of Wichita and Sue Rangel and Rose Martinez, both of Newton; grandchildren, Jordan Keller of Iowa and Ashliegh Accardi of Moundridge; and special friends, Kerry Grosch and Adam Johnson, both of Hesston. He was looking forward to meeting a new grandchild, expected in the spring.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

Because of his part-time work status, Gary did not have life insurance at the time of his death. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to his sister, Mary Short, in care of Miller Funeral Home in Hesston to help offset funeral costs. Friends also are asked to donate a dollar to help find a cure for childhood cancer through St. Jude Children's Hospital Halloween at Casey's in Hesston. Gary donated a dollar to buy one of the fund-raiser signs the weekend before his death. Please consider signing in memory of Gary.