James L. Koger

James L. Koger, 75, of Parsons, passed away at 4:46 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita following a brief illness. He was born February 29, 1940 in Parsons, Kansas to Willard Rufus and Effie Mildred (Wilkerson) Koger. As a young boy, he grew up and attended school in Parsons. At the age of 21, he moved to California where he worked as a welder at Orange County Machine Works. Thirteen years later, James returned to Parsons where he was employed by Advanced Homes, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, and most recently Dayton Superior where he worked as a forklift operator until his retirement. He had attended the Assembly of God Church in Parsons. He enjoyed fishing, storytelling, fixing things, going to the casinos and playing slot machines, working on cars, and helping others. He and Barbara Solorio were married in 1960. They later divorced. He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Sharon Willis, on August 3, 2006. Survivors include: Four Sons – James L. Evans Parsons, KS Gary James Koger Orange, CA James Kelly Koger Orange, CA Gerrick J. Wible Parsons, KS Two Daughters – Lori Bonelli Anaheim Hills, CA Shelby Koger Parsons, KS Stepchildren – Debbie Yeoman, Angela Johnson, Sherry Dessenberger, Barbara Willis, Shannon Lower, Gary Willis, Bill Willis, and John Yeoman Numerous Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren Two Sisters – Mildred Essig Parsons, KS Rita Babb Parsons, KS In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Martin Koger, on June 8, 2015. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James L. Koger, please visit our flower store.