James Russell Gengler, Captain, US Army, Retired, 71 died at home on April 5, 2011. He was born November 13, 1939 in Beloit, Kansas to Frowin and Anna Gengler. Upon the death of his mother, he and his brothers were raised by Paul and Shirlie Schmidt. James graduated from Beloit High School in 1957 and attended Fort Hays University until he elected to join the U.S. Army in 1959. His exemplary, highly decorated military career was served in the Chemical Corps as an advisor to the Reserves, instructor to enlisted and officers at Ft McClellan, AL, Brigade Chemical Officer in Vietnam and then retired from his position as instructor at Fort Bliss in 1978. While he was assigned to Fort Bliss he studied Golf Course Management and consequently served as the Golf Professional at the Wawanowin Country Club in Ishpeming, Michigan. He served then as the Golf Professional at the Admiral Nimitz Golf Course in Agana, Guam. While James was in the military he taught chemical, biological and radiological warfare to the cadets in their field training exercises. Many years later as a civilian government worker he supervised the receipt and delivery of all food to the Cadet Mess located in Washington Hall at the United States Military Academy., West Point, NY. He retired from civilian government work in 2002 whereupon he moved to Delphos to enjoy his retirement. Many of his days were spent at the Glasco Country Club in Glasco, Kansas where he met and enjoyed so many fine golfers and their families. He also enjoyed attending auctions at the Auction Palace in Beloit, Kansas where he always looked for a great "DEAL". People in Delphos saw him driving his dog, Ching-Ching, every morning to the Post Office

Prior to moving to Delphos James and Maria traveled extensively throughout England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland visiting St Andrews Golf Course on two separate occasions and then toured France accompanied by their daughter.

James is survived by his wife: Maria (Laxo-Republic, MI) of the home, son: James (born at Ft McClellaln, AL), Lenexa, Ks and daughter Tia (born in Teheran, Iran) (husband James) Fitzpatrick and the apple of his eye his grandson: Nicholas (Gardiner, NY). Also James is survived by his brothers: Noel and Paul (Roberta) of Beloit, Mark (Beverly) of Live Oak, FL and Patrick of Arizona.

James was predeceased by his biological parents: Frowin and Anna Schmidt; and his guardians: Paul and Shirlie Schmidt.

James chose cremation and memorial services with full military honors will be conducted at a later announced date at the Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis, Kansas,

Memorials may be made to the Ottawa County Hospice in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home.