Jim Mangum, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2026. He was born on April 4, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Wallace and Bonnie Mangum.

Jim attended W.B. Ray High School and completed his senior year at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, graduating in 1961. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His service took him from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, where he would ultimately make his home.

On his drive to Kansas, Jim experienced snow for the very first time. Reaching Oklahoma as the flakes began to fall, he pulled over just to touch it, amazed by something so ordinary to others but then realized he had no coat. When he arrived at McConnell, he discovered the base hadn't been notified of his arrival and had already issued all the winter gear. A sergeant's jacket left behind in the office became his—after the administrator taped over the stripes. That thin coat carried him through a brutally cold winter; one he never forgot.

Jim spent his career at Vulcan Chemicals in Shipping and Receiving, where he worked for 30 years. He retired with deep friendships formed among coworkers and customers alike.

Jim loved listening to oldies music, working with his hands, spending time with family, and anything that would go fast!

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Wallace and Bonnie Mangum.  He is survived by his wife, Gloria Mangum, and their children:  James K. Mangum, James W. Mangum (Tonia), Julie (Cindy) Christian, Jessica (Steve) Burwell, Jennifer Towne and Steven Mangum.  He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Hunter, Leah, and Annabelle.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Wichita South Seventh-day Adventist Church, 820 W 27th St S, Wichita, KS 67217.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the family.