ELLINWOOD — James S. Eubank, 91, passed away at Salina Regional Hospital on July 10, 2022. He was born James S. Tourtillott, Jr., in Wichita, Kan. on Feb. 24, 1931 to parents James S. and Winifred I. Tourtillott. Later his paternal grandmother and her 2nd husband Frank Eubank adopted him. His mother remarried Arthur D. Branson, who later adopted his sister Betty. His father legally changed his own name to James C. Seymour, and joined the merchant Marines. 0n 1953 he married Susan Johnson at Winfield, Kan. They lived in Wichita for a short time, moving to Ellinwood where he went to work for Branson Trucking Service. James and Susan had three children, Christopher K., Craig A. and Kathryn E. James and Susan divorced in 1968. On July 12, 1969, James married Barbara Roy. Barbara had two children from a previous marriage Ramona A. and Johnita J. This marriage produced another daughter, Jaimie B. 

James was formerly on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association at Topeka, Kan., representing the Oilfield and Heavy equipment Haulers Division. He was co-founder of the Ellinwood Bowling Association, serving as the first City Association secretary. He was a former member of Ellinwood Traveling Tournament bowling team. He was a loving father and step-father, and husband. James had a great sense of humor, he loved telling jokes and playing practical jokes. He also was a Navy Veteran. In 1973 he went to work for Marlette Inc. where he operated a radial drill, and worked in the paint room. When Marlette closed the facility in 1980, he went to work for H-30 Inc. and became Assistant Rig Coordinator, He also managed Dakota Dirt Inc. The oil slump of 1986 ended his oilfield career. James then went to work for Great Bend Industries as a machinist before retiring in 2001. 

He is survived by two daughters; two sons; and two step-daughters; six grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Eubank on June 23, 2015.

Funeral service will take place 10:30 a.m., Mon., July 18th at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, Kan. Visitation will take place Sunday, July 17th from noon- 4 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, Kan. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Memorials are suggested to American Legion #320 in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

PO Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS.  67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2022