James Thomas Stanley

James "Jim" Thomas Stanley, 89, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at his home. Jim was born February 1, 1937 at Coody's Bluff, Oklahoma, the son of James F. Stanley and Covie (Wheeler) Stanley. When Jim was 10 years old, his family settled in Topeka where he spent the rest of his childhood, graduating from Topeka High and Washburn University.

In 1955, at the age of 17 years old, Jim enlisted in the Navy as an electrician. He sailed around the world many times, visiting countless countries, and retiring in 1974. Jim's sea tours included sailing on the USS Sperry, USS New Jersey, USS Hamner, USS Columbus, USS Earle B. Hall, USS Oriskany, USS Coral Sea, USS Brown, USS Canberra, and USS Sarsfield, spending an accumulated eleven years at sea during his career. His awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) and the National Defense Service Medal.

On February 16, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Leila G. (Rulon) Stanley in Topeka, Kansas and she survives at home. They were married for 68 years and were the proud parents of five children.

After proudly serving his country, to include multiple combat tours to Vietnam, Jim returned to Topeka and worked at Memorial Hospital, Stormont Vail Hospital and later retired from the State of Kansas.

Jim loved to spend time with his family. His favorite past time was golfing with his best friend, talking about the Navy and traveling all across the United States with Leila to visit family. He will be remembered for his famous chili, love of ice cream, and the wild stories of his time in the Navy.

Jim is survived by his wife Leila of the home, his sister Phyllis Smith (Arlington,Texas) and his children Debbie Stanley (Topeka, Kansas), David Stanley (Topeka, Kansas) Terri Seastrom (Emporia, Kansas), and Robert and Laura (Clay) Stanley (Palisade, Colorado). He has 11 grandchilren and 14 great grandchildren. His son, Michael Stanley, proceeded him in death as he passed at age 22 while serving in the Navy. He is also proceeded in death by his sister Mildred Bellamy, and brothers Bill Stanley and Ed Stanley.

His family will greet friends and relatives from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Parker Price and Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place at 10:30am on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to the Kansas Soldiers Home. Ft Dodge KS.

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