J ames Newton Umbarger, 78, Ada, passed away at The Nicol Home in Glasco on June 9, 2021.  He was born March 7, 1943 in Salina to Virgil Baldwin and Lottie Jewel (Van Meter) Umbarger.

James graduated from Ada High School in 1961 and he attended Kansas State University for two and a half years.  He joined the United States Air Force in 1964 and was a postal clerk in state-side military facilities.  He continued in that capacity in Japan and in the European Postal Aid and Courier Region in Araxos, Greece.  James received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1968 with the rank of Sergeant.  Shortly after leaving the military, he managed a Braum's store in Oklahoma City for a year and a half.  James then returned to his hometown, Ada, to care for his ailing parents.  He managed the Co-Op service station in Ada for many years.  James enjoyed being an integral part of all activities in Ada.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Ellen Umbarger Menzato.

Survivors are his brother, Eldon (Sandy) Umbarger of Indiana; brother-in-law, Dennis Menzato of Louisiana; five nephews, Jeff (Sherry) Roberts of Louisiana, Ken (Jeni) Umbarger of Kansas City, Kyle (Kathy) Umbarger of Indiana, and Joe and Dennis Menzato of Louisiana; and eight great-nieces and nephews, Brook, Sean, and Mia Roberts of Louisiana, Reece, Regan, and Reed Umbarger of Kansas City, and Victoria and Benjamin Umbarger of Indiana.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 P.M., Monday, June 14 at the Antioch Baptist Church in Ada.  Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Ada.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the  Ada Community Building and left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.