James C. Creek

James C. Creek passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 22, 2024 after sustaining injuries in a fall.

He was born in Eureka, KS on January 10, 1938 to Harold and Katherine Creek. He attended Sunnyside Elementary in Wichita, KS until 1950, then Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, MO until graduation in 1956. This time was referred to as his “prison days” which always raised an eyebrow from his children’s friends. He went on to serve in the Army’s 101st Airborne from 1956 to 1959 and while serving our country during a time of peace he jokingly said “served in the war of Ft. Campbell, KY.”

After his time in the Army Jim met his wife Nadine Tiemeier and they married in 1964, started their family in Wichita, KS and were happily married for 55 years until her passing in June 2019.

Jim spent his life as an electrician and in 1991 started Creek Electric in Wichita where he was president until retirement in 2003.

Jim and Nadine retired to Green Valley, AZ where he enjoyed playing golf, baking banana bread for all of the neighbors, and spending every Tuesday night at the grill. After Nadine’s passing, he lived briefly in Prescott and Chandler, and in 2023 settled in Scottsdale where he enjoyed his time playing Rummikub and Hand & Foot with all of his new friends in the wonderful community where he lived. As a proud veteran he was a member of the American Legion Post 44 in Scottsdale and everyone around him knew that Thursday was “Legion night”.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his sister Carole Creek Bailey. He is survived by his children Candace Creek Helton (Bill), and Dustin (Erika), his five grandchildren Stephanie (Tanner), Joshua, Brayden, Chloe, and Zachary, his one great-granddaughter Eilah, and one great-grandson on the way.

Jim was known for his sayings which are etched into the brains of many, including “once the pain goes away, it’ll quit hurting”, “when in the field, improvise” and “when all else fails, read the directions”. He would finish his daily calls to his children with “That’s all I know! Have a nice day.”

Jim never missed a Happy Hour so we will be celebrating his life with a final one on Friday, November 8th, 5:00pm at Overture Arcadia, 6080 East Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ.

Jim was always a very generous man and took great delight in caring for everyone around him. As a memorial we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.