James Woodbury Lusk, 70, of Overland Park, KS, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1956 to Harold Russell Lusk and Ann Woodbury Lusk in Emporia, KS. He graduated from Osage City High School in 1974.
As a youth and in high school, he participated in 4-H, debate and forensics, Future Farmers of America, and was a member of the Osage City Presbyterian Church. He was close to his maternal grandparents, Howard and Rachel Woodbury, who taught him thrift, hard work, respect of others, and love, along with his parents.
James attended college, first at Pratt Community College, followed by Sterling College, and lastly, he finished with a B.A. in Business degree at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. There he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. He furthered his education at the University of Kansas where he earned a Masters of Business Administration degree and a Juris Doctor degree in 1984. He started his attorney-at-law career with a private practice in Osage City. In the fall of1984 he ran for Osage County Attorney, was elected, and served for four years.
On January 4, 1986, James married the love of his life, Nancy Niles Lusk, at the Osage City Presbyterian Church. They made their home in Osage City until 1989, when they moved to Johnson County. July 24, 1990, was a momentous day in their lives, when they celebrated the birth of their fraternal triplets, Nathan, Rachel and Thomas. Being a father was the greatest joy of his life.
For over 35 years, James headed his own private law practice specializing in family law and bankruptcy in Lenexa, KS. As he sought to help divorce and bankruptcy clients, he once said that his role was a little social worker, a little theologian, a little financial advisor, and a lot lawyer.
Recently he had phased out of his law practice to be a full-time landlord of several rental properties. He loved his rental houses, much like his dad Harold loved cars. They had the same philosophy: the more rentals or the more cars the better. Despite the sometime headaches of being a landlord, James took satisfaction in fixing his houses up, and doing his part to increase low-income housing.
James and his wife have been active members of the Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church for over 35 years. He attended two weekly Bible studies for many years from which he once said he found “a great source of fellowship, edification and hopefully sanctification.” He was happy to serve since 2025 on the Heartland Presbyterian Camp Board of Directors because of treasured memories of his youth attending the camp.
Anyone who was ever the recipient of a James Lusk authored Christmas letter was in for a literary treat of rare words and obscure references, dished up with a dry sense of humor. He was always ready to regale others with a story. His topics were varied, as were his interests, but many were witty accounts of his rental house landlord adventures.
James is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Nathan (Lauren) of Olympia, WA; daughter Rachel of Overland Park; son Thomas (Alison) of Phoenix, AZ; and two grandchildren, Zelda and Leomaris Lusk; and his sister, Luree (Terry) of Wichita. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life and Witness to the Resurrection service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made (with James’ name on the memo line)to Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church or to the Arbor Day Foundation.
Dearest Nancy, Nathan, Rachel, Thomas and family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Unknown
James was indeed quite the character who was a wealth of knowledge and information. We always enjoyed our get together’s whether they were at one of our New Years Eve bashes, having a meal together, celebrating our kids accomplishments, discussing politics, the latest news article or a recent book he’d read, James always had some interesting and intriguing conversations. You will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you James. Rest easy, your work here is done.
As HRH Queen Elizabeth II would quote “Grief is the price we pay for love”.
Much love to you all as you navigate your lives without the man that you loved.
God Bless.
Lin, John, James and Alex Fennell
I became acquainted with James in the mid eighties when he was Osage County Attorney; I worked across the hall from him on the first floor of the Osage County Courthouse in the Extension Office. There was down time for our offices so we talked often. We both grew up in Osage City. I didn’t really know James growing up, since I was a few years older. As an adult I also became acquainted with James’s parents. The Lusks were a fine family. Later in years James’s mom was our town’s parade marshal, who I carried in my convertible car for that event. Whenever James’s and my path crossed when he was in Osage, he always took the time for some conversation. James had great morals. It is with sincere regret to hear of his passing 💐
Lorraine Davis-Renner
I knew of James Lusk for years as we had similar paths, Osage County natives, Bankruptcy Law, and rental properties but did not really get to know him until we talked at bankruptcy seminars over the years. He always had a friendly smile and positive outlook. I’m very sorry for the family’s loss.