FOWLER – James R. Sobba, Farmer, 47, passed away early Sunday morning, November 25, 2007, surrounded by his loving family at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He spent most of his life on the family farm north of Fowler, Kansas, and later bought his own home in Fowler, where he lived until the time of his death.

He was a faithful member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, serving as an altar boy in his youth and, later on the church board.

Jim, as he was known by his family and friends, was born Jun 21, 1960, in Fowler, Kansas. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1978. Jim was a farmer and his life belonged to the land, here he learned the old and new technologies of farming and how to make it work. From an early age he was a hard and dedicated worker. Early mornings and late evenings would find him working the land. In 2003, along with his dad, received the Meade County Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award for farming. In high school he received the State Farmer Award from his FFA Chapter. He believed in the goodness of the family farm, the stewardship of the land and wildlife conservation.

Jim was an avid sportsman and hunting was the joy of his life. Some of his hunts lead him to Alaska and Canada. The walls of his home are a tribute to his many hunting trophies. He was a member of the Fowler Wildlife Club and the Kansas Bowhunters Association serving in different offices.

Jim was a fine decent person, a dedicated hardworking son, a loving brother, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who meant a great deal to him. He was always there to lend a helping hand, spreading his humor and showing his love.

He is survived by his parents, Robert and Lula Belle (Reese) Sobba, of Fowler, Kansas; two brothers, Bob and wife Cheryl of Caldwell, Idaho, and Mike and wife Mary Jo of Rose Hill, Kansas; four sisters, Aleta Sobba of Wichita, Kansas, Kelly Oberlechner of Red Cloud, Nebraska, Penny Sobba of Liberal, Kansas, and Tammy and husband, Walter Doorman of Farmington, New Mexico; five nieces, Amy, Angie, Michelle, Marty and Kallie, and five nephews, Josh, Beau, Art, Casey, and Andrew.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, Fowler. Holy mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2007, at the church with Father Angel Dy presiding. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will be in the Fowler Cemetery, Fowler.

The family would welcome memorials to Pheasants Forever in care of the mortuary.