June 12, 2014
JAMES M. POTTER
MAYETTA- James McKinley “Waubaunsee” Potter, 56 of Mayetta, KS passed away June 11, 2014 as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was born January 14, 1958 in Topeka the son of John William and Rema Julia (Wahweotten) Potter.
Jim graduated from Royal Valley High School in 1976 and attended college in Emporia and Hutchinson. He had lived in Mayetta for 10 years and Delia for 7 years. Previously he lived in Topeka working as a parts manager for Price Equipment and later at Florence Crittenton Girls Home.
Jim was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, serving on Tribal Council for 16 years. He served as Treasurer for 12 years and 4 years as Secretary. He served 8 years on the Executive Board of National Congress of American Indians. Jim was past president of Jackson County Economic Development Corporation and the Jackson County Tourism Council. He was a member of Mayetta Masonic Lodge, Banner Creek Science Center and served on the Tribal Health Board. He was presently serving as President of Mayetta Businessman’s Association and served on the Pow-wow Committee.
He married Patricia Miller on June 6, 1992 in Topeka. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his adopted mother, Mary LeClere of Mayetta, KS; 2 sons, Robert Lara and Richard Clark both of Topeka, KS; adopted daughter, January Bird of Winnebago, NE; 2 sisters, Shirley Potts of Sabetha, KS and Leona Briscoe of Dallas, TX and an adopted granddaughter, September Thomas.
Drum services will be Monday evening, June 16, 2014 at the Danceground Building west of Mayetta. Burial will be Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2014 at the Danceground Cemetery. Jim will lie in state at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton until 3:00 p.m. Monday. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.