James L. Sanko

James L. Sanko 75, of Spearville, died Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City. 

He was born November 11, 1945 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas, son of Leo W. and Alice A. (James) Sanko. 

He attended grade school at St. John’s Catholic School and Spearville High School, graduating in 1964. After graduation he attended Denver Vo-Tech for 1 year studying auto mechanics. He returned home to work for his Father at Sanko Motors Inc. 

He was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, both of Spearville. He was also a member of the Spearville Fire Department for several years and a Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He enjoyed camping, fishing, visiting and helping his grandson at J & A Service. 

In 1980, Jim established Jim Sanko Trucking. He owned and operated this business for 34 years, retiring in 2014. After retirement, Jim helped several farmers around the Spearville area with farming, driving truck and many other needs. 

On March 6, 1965 he married Judy Clark. They later divorced. 

On May 29, 1998, he married Pat Leith at Spearville, Kansas.

Survivors include: his wife of 22 years, Pat; their children, Jay and wife Sandy of Loyal, WI; Jerry and wife Tammie of Stafford, KS; Robert Headrick of Olathe, KS; and Amanda Bittel and husband Scheon of Spearville, KS; 2 sisters, Mary and husband Charles Hattrup of Manhattan, KS; Caroline Hendrick of Libertyville, IL; 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Alice Sanko and one son Johnny Sanko. 

A Vigil Service will be held Wednesday December 30, 2020 at 7:00 pm and the Funeral Service will be Thursday December 31, 2020 at 10:30 am at the St. John the Catholic Church, Spearville, Kansas, with Father John Forkuoh officiating. 

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