James L. (JL) Lauterbach, age 61, of Wellington, passed away early Saturday morning, February  13, 2021 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS.

James was born on August 15, 1959 in Wellington, KS, to Neel A. Lauterbach and Dorothy May (Morrell) Lauterbach.  He attended Wellington High School with the Class of 1977.

Jim enjoyed his pilot days as he delivered planes all over the world. He loved the farm life and never knew a stranger. Anyone who crossed paths with "Uncle Jimmy" was a forever friend.  He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Joni (Lauterbach) Walton.

Survivors include three nieces,  Amy Kearney and her daughter, Elizabeth Meaders; Jessica Tuten, along with her children, Jacob and Teyha; and Carley Lucas and her husband Scott, along with their children, Taylor Ward, Dannielle and Ashlynn Lucas; Godsons, Matthew Tompkins and his wife Jessica, along with their children, Ely and Ryder James (RJ), Heath Tompkins and his wife Andrea, along with their children, Kylie and Henry Benjamin (HB); many loving cousins; very dear friends, Larry and Patricia Tompkins, David and Jeanette Graves, his Scotland friends Billy and Lisa Harris, Dr. Walter Dembitsky and Dr. Phillip Dembitsky, along with many many dear friends.

In honoring Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established with the Bryce Day Memorial Foundation in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be left at or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.