James Golliher

James “Jim” Golliher DVM was born March 28, 1941, in Meade, Kansas, to Zoder and Margaret Golliher. He passed away March 4, 2026, at his home in Kiowa, Kansas, surrounded by his wife, Vickie, and his son, David.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vickie Golliher; his daughter, Cindy Dugan and husband, Pat of Wichita, Kansas and his son, David Golliher and Debi. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Trista Vancuren and husband, Clint of Wichita, Kansas; Corey Dugan and wife, Kelsey of Kansas City, Kansas and Bailey Dugan of Nashville, Tennessee. A very special great-grandchild, Cal Vancuren also survives him.

Jim is also survived by his brother, Warren Golliher and wife, Jan of Spearfish, South Dakota; his sister, Mary Weaver of Salida, Colorado; and his brother, Jerry Golliher and wife, Sue of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Jim’s family moved from Meade, Kansas, to Seibert, Colorado, where he attended grade school. The family later moved to South Dakota when his father purchased a ranch. Jim often fondly remembered spending many hours riding his pony in Colorado during his youth.

He attended high school in Newell, South Dakota, where the football team was very successful and he earned the opportunity for a scholarship to play football in college. When told he might not be able to pursue pre-veterinary studies and play football, Jim chose to follow his passion for animals and focus on becoming a veterinarian. His love for animals began on the ranch, where he developed a deep appreciation for livestock and horses and became known by his family as the “sheep whisperer.”

Jim attended Black Hills State College and South Dakota State University in South Dakota. He later joined the United States Air Force and spent most of his four years stationed in El Paso, Texas. While in Texas, he met the love of his life, Vickie McKee, and they were married in 1965.

Following his military service, Jim returned to South Dakota State for one year and then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he was admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. After graduating, Jim and Vickie moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, where he began practicing veterinary medicine. During this time, their daughter Cindy was young and their son David was born.

In 1976, the family moved to Kiowa, Kansas, where Jim continued his veterinary practice for many years until his retirement. He cared deeply for the animals entrusted to him and the families who depended on his work.

Jim and Vickie enjoyed traveling together and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. His love for family, animals, and the rural way of life defined his life and legacy.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication, his kindness, and the lasting impact he had on his family, friends, and the many people and animals he served throughout his career.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lanman Funeral Home in Kiowa.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kiowa Methodist Church with final disposition of cremation. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made out to City of Kiowa Public Library and Samaritan's Purse through the funeral home.

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