Robert [Bob] was born when our parents lived on what is now west 56th street, a place he fondly recalled as the old Cooter place.  That name referred to the family that had built the farm house.  At that time Bob's older brothers, Edward, George, and William lived at home.  A few years later his brother Walter was born.  Our parents later moved to a house near 56th and Monroe St., on Monroe.  Dad had begun working for Mr. Rowland.  I [James] was born while we lived on Monroe.  Bob attended Mitchell School and later Prosperity School, after the move to Monroe St.  In 1949, we moved to N. Plum St.  Bob graduated 8th grade from Prosperity and took the 9th grade at Liberty Jr. High School in Hutchinson. During his teen years, Bob frequently worked for neighboring farmers.  He could drive a tractor and could work with a variety of other farm implements. 

He completed High School at Hutchinson Senior High School and attended Hutchinson Junior College for two years.   During his Junior College years, Bob worked for the Davis Farm across the street from our house.  His favorite part of the job was to help with show horses, especially at the various expositions like the Kansas City Royal. 

After that he spent a year at the University of Kansas.  He interrupted his studies to earn some money and never returned. 

One of his first jobs was with Globe oil of Wichita Ks.  He eventually began a successful career in sales, working for a variety of companies including Arnholz Coffee, Diversey Soap, and Syntex Pharmaceuticals.  At various times he supervised sales training; was a regional sales manager. 

His wife was Joyce Oberg.  Their children were Bobby, Cynda, and Scott.  Bob and Joyce were divorced in the late 80s.  About that time Bob had had enough of the traveling sales life and retired from Syntex.  He supplemented his retirement with part-time work as a Dillon's Grocery cook in one of their stores, he late took work for acommercial knife sharpener and a self storage company. 

During his entire life he regularly formed fast friendships and was known for his ability to listen.  He also loved to tell stories about his travels, which included much of the United States, Mexico, and Europe.  He especially loved one of his trips to Hawaii.