James "Jim" A. Gourley

LINCOLN

  James "Jim" Anthony Gourley, 57, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024 in Lincoln, KS. He was born June 13, 1967 in Lincoln to Vance and Mary Ann (Gratz) Gourley. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1985, Jim attended Fort Hays State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1990 and a Master of Science in Counseling in 1994. He served as the Director of Career Services at Oklahoma Panhandle State University from 1994-1996 and Director of Career Services and Co-Director of the Center for Learning and Student Success at Washburn University from 1996-2006.

  Although he loved helping and mentoring students towards their own successful careers, his true passion was bird-dogs and hunting. With the help of his English Setter dog "Shades," a 4X National Shoot to Retrieve Champion, he took a leap of faith, moved back to his hometown, and started his own business, Setter Dogs. He was very well respected for his skills, expertise, work ethic and humor. His laugh and smile were infectious and his kindness and friendliness were genuine. Besides training hundreds of dogs from across the country, Jim was an outfitter for wild upland bird, turkey and deer hunts. He prided himself on giving his customers and their dogs the best hunting experience Kansas can offer. 

  Jim was preceded in death by his father, Vance Gourley and sister-in-law Abby Gourley. Survivors include his wife, Kelly (Larson) Gourley, Beverly, KS; his mother, Mary Ann (Gratz) Gourley, Salina, KS; his brothers, Michael Gourley, Salina, David Gourley, Land O' Lakes, FL, and Steven (Erin) Gourley, Hinsdale, IL; nephews, Mitchell, Andrew and Vance; nieces, Gisele and Willa; grandnieces, Myla and Ava; and many long-time friends, bird-dog enthusiasts, and hunters he considered part of his Setter Dogs family.
  Visitation: 1-6 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2024 at Hall Chapel of Lincoln with family present to greet visitors 5-6 p.m. A vigil and rosary service will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

  Funeral mass: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lincoln with burial following at Lincoln Cemetery. 

  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Post Rock Community Foundation, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455 to create a scholarship for others who would want to pursue a career in wildlife management, wildlife conservation, wildlife biology, and/or outdoor enterprise management.

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