Jimmy D. Hawthorne

Jimmy Dean Hawthorne, 70, died Friday, November 28, 2025, at his home in Allen, Kansas.

Jimmy was born in Council Grove, Kansas on August 3, 1955, the son of Hubert and Lillian (Johnson) Hawthorne. He married Cathy Bennett on May 8, 1987, in Council Grove.

A 1972 graduate of Northern Heights High School, Jim initially pursued architecture studies at Kansas State University for two years, before beginning his career in carpentry. Though his father was a carpenter, farmer, house builder and more, Jimmy’s skills and knowledge came largely from his innate ability to find solutions to any problem, and he became a highly skilled and well-trusted craftsman.

Living most of his adult life on the family farm in Waubunsee County, Jimmy was a well-known member of the community. He was a person who everyone knew they could call for help with any problem, carpentry-related or not, and he would be there to help them find a solution, if not without his signature Jim Hawthorne sigh.

He loved restoring his antique truck, watching sports, listening to music, and spending time with his friends and family. Jimmy was a cherished friend, beloved brother, devoted father, and loving grandfather.

He is survived by two sisters, Nada (Jim) Schroeder of Milford and Jana (Al) Atchison of Lawrence; three children, Ashley Hawthorne of Emporia, Michael (Kate) Hawthorne of Manhattan, and Corrie Hawthorne of Emporia; granddaughters; cousins; niece; and dear friends, notably Tammy and Randy Pracht, who were like family to Jim and gave him and his family unwavering support throughout his life, especially in his final months.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister Judy Ann, parents Hubert and Lillian, daughter Sara Ann, and wife Cathy.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date and will be announced in this publication.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you spend an afternoon as Jim would: get yourself a glass of iced tea, turn on your favorite song and go cruising around with your loved ones for a while.