James Niehoff

James Elroy Niehoff, 85, of Baldwin City, Kansas died Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the University of Kansas Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.

He was born June 5, 1941 at the family home in Quenemo, Kansas the son of George A. Niehoff and Joyce (Basel) Niehoff. He graduated from Quenemo High School with the class of 1959. The first summer after, he worked for a farm in western Kansas. Returning home, he worked for Cook Construction, to build the Pomona Reservoir Dam. When that was completed, he moved with Cook to construction of the Council Grove Reservoir. There he met the love of his life.

On September 22, 1963, Jim was united in marriage to Diane Young at Zion Lutheran Church in Vassar, Kansas. They enjoyed nearly 63 years of happy marriage, They enjoyed traveling, over the years visiting at least 35 foreign countries and 49 of the 50 states. Alaska was up next!

Jim served his country in the United States Army from 1963 until 1969. He went to work for Norris Bros. Mechanical Contractors joining the IBEW as an electrician, later working for Raymond Lee until 1973. At that time, as a master electrician, Jim opened and operated Jim's Electric until 1988, when he then expanded opening Niehoff Heating and Cooling. Operating until 2002 when he sold to one of his great employees, Wayne Duncan, who followed his plan of devoted customer service. Jim was a member of the Superior Achiever's for at least 10 years. At the same time, in 1995, after amazing renovations, Jim and Diane opened 3 Sisters Inn Bed and Breakfast, in Baldwin City. In 2006 they sold the Inn to satisfied guests and Retired! The next 10 plus years were spent volunteering for various church and community projects, number one on his list, the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City.

Jim was accomplished, hard-working, and selfless. He could do everything, and he used his skills to help out everyone around him. His generous soul was a testament to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he worshipped at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS as a Charter Member. He was a true man of faith, embodying the kindness, patience, and love of a Godly man. Jim was a very active and social person who didn't know a stranger and was always quick with a ‘Jim Joke’. As ‘Snow Birds’, they traveled to south Texas for the winter, enjoying Square and round dancing, shuffle boarding, woodworking and kiting on South Padre Island. Jim and Diane are current members of the Ottawa Promenaders Square Dance Club.

Above everything, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Joyce Niehoff; a brother, George Niehoff; a sister, Joy Ann Niehoff; and a daughter, Julie Harris.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Niehoff of the home; a daughter, Donna Kneedler of Baldwin City, KS; a son, Ryan Niehoff of Baldwin City, KS; two brothers, Garry Niehoff of Dallas, TX and Glen Niehoff of Topeka, KS; and five grandchildren, Luke Kneedler of Baldwin City, KS, A.J. Kneedler of Ottawa, KS, Ruth, Emmett and Walker Niehoff of Baldwin City, KS.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, 23167 Topeka St, Vassar, KS 66543. To celebrate Jim's life, a visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Lumberyard Arts Center, 718 High St, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lumberyard Arts Center and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.