James Dewayne Sloan.... Age 52

James DeWayne Sloan age 52 of Paola, KS died Thursday, December 30, 2021, at his home.

James was born February 28, 1969, in Merriam, KS. He was the second of three children born to Kenneth Lawrence and Linda Joyce (Jackson) Sloan. He graduated with the Spring Hill High school Class of 1987.

In 1996, James met Rachelle McCammon and they were married on June 11, 1999. The couple has three children Makayla, Cody, and Cooper. They made their home in rural Paola.

After high school, James went into the workforce in the surveying and the septic industry. He started his first business J and K Excavating in 1990. James was a jack of all trades. He did everything from designing and installing septics, finish-grading new houses, building pipe fences, and building horse barns. Over the years, he worked for a few companies, but his passion was being a business owner. James was self-employed, owning Cherokee Lawn care, and Cherokee Construction. And in 2010, James and Rachelle started R&J Trucking.

In his spare time, James enjoyed leatherworking, fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved horses. He raised, trained, and taught kids to ride. James was proud of his Cherokee heritage which he expressed through beadwork and other crafts. He liked to trap shoot and smoke meat. Hanging out with his kids was James’ favorite pastime. James was “Dad” and “Uncle James'' to so many kids over the years.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Survivors include his wife Rachelle, children Makayla Marie Sloan, Cody Lee Sloan, and

Cooper James Sloan all of the home. His parents Kenneth (Danita) Sloan and Linda (Wayne “Roy #6”) Watkins. Siblings Kenneth (Jenny) Sloan II and Angela (Jessica) Sloan. Along with many nieces, nephews, “extra kids”, and many other friends and family members.