Jack Kume

Jack Kume, age 90, went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2024, after a short stay in the hospital. He was born on February 20, 1934 to Max and Hatsuye Kume, in Williston ND. He was the youngest of 8 children.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Hatsuye and his father, Max, who passed away when Jack was only 1 year old, a step-father, Maki Kayaki, and half-brother, Paul, and his siblings: Flossie Requilman, (husband Paul), Hannah Winge, (husband Phil,) Cecile Kume, YukiKo Kume, George Kume, Misao Harada, (husband Dido), and Mike Kume.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna, one daughter, Kristin, 3 step-children, Ken Murphy, Kathy Hase, Patricia Murphy, a sister, Mitsua, “Mitzi”, of Williston, ND, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Kume family was the only Japanese family in a town of Swedes. His mom worked as a cook at a restaurant. She wrote all her recipes in Japanese, since she spoke English, but could not write it well.

Jack went to work at the bakery in high school, delivering bread. He got his CDL license at age 15 to be able to drive the delivery truck.

Jack earned his BS & MS from the University of ND. Out of school, he was employed by the ND Geological Survey for 6 years. He then worked for the US Geological Survey as a Geologist/Hydrologist for 30 years. He was proud of his work at the Nevada Test site for 12 years.

He met Dianna Murphy in Garden City, KS, when his work sent him there to live and work. They were married in 1981. They have been married for 43 years.

Jack was in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He served his boot camp at Fort Riley, and was a Korean War Veteran. Interestingly, while he served in the military, years before, 2 of his sisters were living in an Internment Camp in California. He was stationed in Japan for part of this time, and was able to visit the homeland of his parents and meet some family members.

He continued his association with the military organizations for the rest of his life. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 153, in Olathe, where he served as the Chaplain for 22 years.

He was the Aumonier, (French for "Chaplain"), for The Forty and Eight, an independent, invitation only, honor society of American veterans and service members.

He was the VFW Post Commander at Vermilion SD, 1977 and 1978.

Jack was a life member of the Olathe Noon Lion's Club and a Life member of the National Rifle Organization.

He was a Master Gardener, class of 1997, where he was awarded the Rookie Master Gardener for that year. He loved gardening and spent many years making gardens beautiful. He was the President of the Iris Club in Garden City.

Jack was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Olathe, KS. He was a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader and a member of the choir. He was ordained as a lay minister, and authorized by the Central Baptist Convention, in 2007. Jack was the first one through the class, so at times, he had to wait until the next class was written up, so he could continue.

Jack was able to take a couple of very meaningful trips. One to the Holy Land in 1999, and the other to South Korea in 2010 for their extravagant “Thank You” Honor trip.

Memorials are suggested to either First Baptist Church of Olathe, or to the Earl Collier American Legion Post #153.

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