Jimmie Black

Jimmie “Jim” Ray Black – October 24, 1948 – November 4, 2023 – Wichita, Kansas

Jimmie (Jim) Black achieved the ultimate victory when he went home to be with the Lord on November 4, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas.

Jim was one of six children. His father, Hubert A. Black, was a carpenter and general contractor and his mother, Verna (Huff) Black, was a homemaker. They lived in Wichita and the surrounding area throughout Jim’s life. He was an accomplished Boy Scout, an avid hunter, camper, and fisherman in his youth. Learning woodworking from his father, Jim developed a life-long love of working with his hands – from making his own bedroom suite as a high school project to building tree houses, play sets, furniture, and more for his family. He graduated from Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas, in 1966 and worked for Coleman Company after graduation. Jim attended Pawnee Avenue Church of God in his early life along with his brothers. Later in life, he attended Full Gospel Assembly, Word of Life Church, and was a member of Soul’s Harbor Pentecostal Church.

Through mutual friends, Jim met the love of his life, Annita Cooper, who joined him in marriage on April 6, 1973, in Wichita, Kansas. They were inseparable and truly epitomized the Biblical concept of becoming one in marriage. They attended church together and shared their walk of faith throughout their marriage. Jim learned the automotive refinishing trade from Annita and her father, David Cooper, and they worked together in body shops until the birth of their first child, Jimmie Jr. While Annita embraced her life as a full-time wife and mother, Jim continued in the auto refinishing trade until he retired in 2019. He worked for Wild West, Auto Body Complex, Professional Body Works, Collision Specialists, and finally, Collision Works – before retiring to care for Annita in her final years. He was at her side to hold her hand when Jesus called her home just over a year ago.

Ten years after Jimmie Jr. was born, Jim and Annita welcomed their second child, Amber. She was their “Little Sweet Pea” and was living proof of the miracles that God can perform – having been a miracle conception and surviving critical illness at birth.

Together, Jim and Annita raised Jimmie and Amber in the love of God and saw them both become ministers of the Gospel. Jim and Annita demonstrated God’s love to their family and anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with them. Jim’s faith and love of God were hallmarks of his character and quickly evident to everyone around him.

The most powerful view into Jim’s heart came when he was diagnosed with cancer. His immediate reaction was to begin ministering to other patients on the hospital floor – telling them about God and about the peace he had found in his faith. Jim would tell anyone who would listen… “I can’t lose! If God heals me – Great! If the doctors fix it – Great! If I go home to be with Jesus and Annita – even better!”  That remained his testimony from that day forward and was his final declaration of faith before moving home to Heaven. Of course, he was also telling “dad jokes” right up to the last – making a point to zing friends and family every chance he got!

Jim is preceded in victory by his wife, Annita Louise (Cooper) Black, father and mother, Hubert A. and Verna Black, sister Glenda Black, brother Hubert G. Black, all of Wichita, Kansas, and brothers Warren D. Black of Bermuda Dunes, California, and Richard C. Black, of Andale, Kansas. He is survived by his children Jimmie (Kristi) Black Jr and Amber (Jesse) Fillenworth, his grandchildren, Matthew Barker, Jenna Barker, Jimmie Black III, Wyatt Fillenworth, and Ace Fillenworth, all of Wichita, Kansas, and his brother Julius A. Black of Darlington, South Carolina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, from 6-8pm at Broadway Mortuary. Services will be held on Thursday, November 9, at 10:30am, at Broadway Mortuary. Interment will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.