James Laubach

James "Jim" Vincent Laubach, 79, of Wichita, Kansas sadly left us on Friday, March 29, 2024 following a long fought battle with cancer. Jim was born April 19, 1944 in Topeka, Kansas to Vincent Laubach and Bette (McCleary) Weigand. He spent most of his youth and adolescence in Wichita, Kansas with his grandparents Thomas and Doris McCleary. As Jim often joked, he attended the "School of Hardknocks" starting his own business from his grandparents' basement. A self-made man, Jim grew this business into a large and thriving company, becoming owner of Century Manufacturing Inc. creating and distributing Lucite acrylic products nationally and worldwide. His accomplishments in business are sure to be remembered, however, not to overshadow the tremendous impact he had on all those he came in contact with. Especially his loving family. On August 8, 1965 he married the love of his life Sharon (Wilson) Laubach. Together they raised two daughters, Kristine (married to Ryan) Spencer and Kathryn (married to Brian) Formy-Duval. The family only continued to grow from there, welcoming five grandchildren: Lauren (Ryan) Hagerty, Regann Shipley, Rachel Formy-Duval, Trevor Formy-Duval, and Zoe Spencer; as well as five great-grandchildren: Addison Hagerty, Benjamin Hagerty, Sean Hagerty, Christopher Hagerty, and Wyatt Howell. Jim loved many things: trains, a well-done steak, lunches with Garry, watching and feeding the birds, traveling (especially to Disneyworld or Biltmore Estate with Sharon), watching Gunsmoke on TV, trips to the coins shop, telling jokes, and he could always be found examining anything that caught his eye trying to determine how it was made. Jim touched the lives of countless people through his generosity, determination, and sense of humor. He will be forever missed by all that know and love him.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Vincent, his mother, Bette, and grandparents Thomas and Doris McCleary. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter Becki Jill and infant son Kevin James Laubach. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughters Kristine and Kathryn; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at Central Christian Church Chapel at 1:30pm. A graveside service will follow at 4:00pm at Kensington Gardens.