James Kenneth Belcher (Kenny), age 81, passed away peacefully, April 16, 2026 at Advent Health Hospital in Merriam, Kansas
He was born August 27, 1944, in Camden, Missouri, and son of the late Paul and Frances Thorla.
Kenny attended Shawnee Mission North high school. On March 11, 1967 he married the love of his life Linda L. Nicoli (Belcher).
He enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army for 6 years at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Kenny went on to work for Pepsi-Cola for a remarkable 32 years. When it came to his two children, he was passionately involved with their activities from school, sports, and education.
He also worked as an owner/operator of Mac Tools, and worked at Ford and Ceva.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years of marriage, Linda L. Belcher of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Kimberly K. Holcomb and husband Brad Holcomb of St. Paul, Minnesota, son James K. Belcher Jr (Jay) and wife Anne Belcher of Gardner, Kansas. Kenny also is survived by sister Sharon Hobbs and husband Brian Hobbs of Manhattan, Kansas.
Kenny is also survived by four grandchildren, Dayne Holcomb of Fridley, Minnesota, Dalaynee Kisler of St. Paul, Minnesota, Nick Belcher and William Belcher of Gardner, Kansas.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, a donation in Kenny’s name be sent to the American Diabetes Association at Ways to Give | ADA
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday June 20th, 2026 from 11am-3pm at Symphony Farms clubhouse located at 16670 S. Kill Creek Rd, Gardner, Kansas 66030.
