James C. “JC” Underwood, moved to heaven Aug. 2, 2023, at age 80. He was born July 5, 1943, to Spencer E. and Harriett C. (Hawk) Underwood in Atchison. He understood working for a wage at an early age and bought his first car at age 12. He became a United States Navy Reserve during his high school years. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He married Doris Jo Rush on Oct. 3, 1966, in Severance. The couple made their first home in Kansas City, Kan.
JC completed his United States Navy service in 1966 and worked a short stint at TWA while reenlisting in the military, this time United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Kansas City and started his own country living in rural Cameron, Mo. He bought his uncle’s sale barn in the late 1970s and this is where his passion for leather began. By 1981, he opened his own tack shop, J.J. Western, and began leather making, his newfound love. He repaired boots and saddles and began manufacturing his own tack inventory.
His desire to serve people extended throughout life. He was a volunteer fireman, worked on special forces for the police department, and became an EMT. He kept current on his EMT training with ambulances in Wichita, and volunteered EMT services in Kiowa County. He loved to study law and used his knowledge to help others. He volunteered at the Central Kansas Dream Center to help keep the pantry stocked and organized. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Great Bend.
After 40 years, JC retired as a saddle maker in 2021, and moved from Mullinville to Great Bend, where he was closer to his family. He enjoyed fishing and telling stories.
He was proud of his family and leaves behind, his wife, Doris; one daughter, Heidi Jo (Keith) Burton of Great Bend; one son, Joseph E. “Joe” (Laura) Underwood of Vanleer, Tenn; seven grandchildren, Valerie Morrell (Matt Seidel) of Pratt, Lucas (Janine) Burton of Ellinwood, Jeffrey C. “JC” (Jonna) Bosch and Corbin J. (Rachel Wiehl) Burton all of Heizer, Kara A. (Brenner) Gentry of Dickson, Tenn., and Katelyn Jo Underwood and Sara J. Underwood both of Vanleer, Tenn.; five great-grandchildren, Makayla, Lilly and Kaydalyn Burton, Arley Morrell, Colson James Bosch and Blake Bosch; a sister, Ann E. Perkins of Modesto, Calif.; a brother, Perry H. (Josie) Underwood of Prairie Village; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruby Jane Eppes from Yellville, Ark.
Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Family and friends will also gather at the funeral home prior to the graveside service, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Pastor Jordan Basye presiding. Military Rites will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard American Legion Riders Post 180. Memorials have been designated to the Central Kansas Dream Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530