James William Augustine, 77, Olathe, Kan., was surrounded by his family as he went home to the Lord on August 16, 2011.

He was born on July 4, 1934, in Hays, Kan., to his parents, Frank and Magdalena Augustine. James was one of six children.

He married his wife Margaret in Kansas City, Kan., on Nov. 29, 1952. They have five children, 17 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. James will be remembered by his loving wife, their children, grandchildren, friends and extended family.

James was an innovative business owner and leader in the pest control industry for over 45 years. He founded his company on Aug. 1, 1966, and obtained many distinguished awards. He was President of the Kansas Pest Control Association in 1973; he served on the board of directors for the KPCA and was inducted into the KPCA Hall of Fame in 2000. He was a member of the BBB and served on the BBB Board of Directors from 1996-1997. He obtained over 100 hours at the Purdue University Pest Control Technology Course and has been one of a very few companies to participate with Dow AgroSciences Sentricon Baiting System from 1992-1995.

Jim was a member of the National Pest Control Association and was Director for Region 7 from 1993-1995. He was a member of the Abdallah Shrine Temple, Blue Racers group. Jim supported the Abdallah Shrine, Community of the Good Shepard, Turner Recreation, Habitat for Humanity, Fox4Love Fund, and Johnson County Developmental Support Services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Ascension Catholic Church, 9510 W. 127th St. Overland Park, KS 66221. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. with a vigil service starting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park. Burial will be held in Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abdallah Shriner's Children's Hospital, 815 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550.

Kansas City Star, 8/11/2011