Jamie Lee Claas, 46, of Seneca died unexpectedly on February 26, 2023, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Jamie was born on April 8, 1976, at the Seneca Hospital to the late Robert “Bob” Claas and Patricia Mueting Claas. Jamie was the second oldest of five sons. Jamie attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School first through eighth grade. He attended high school at Nemaha Valley High School and graduated in 1994. After graduating from high school, Jamie attended Emporia State University where his interest focused on geology and meteorology. Jamie moved back to Seneca and began working at CR Industries, later known as SKF USA Incorporated, until the plant closed. During his time at CR Industries, Jamie enjoyed helping his in-laws on their farm.  Jamie worked a brief stint at Landoll Corporation, LLC, until he moved on to Tension Corporation. While working his full-time jobs, Jamie worked part time cooking at The Willows in Seneca, KS.

On June 28, 1997, Jamie married Deitra Hartman. The two were married in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, KS. Jamie and Deitra welcomed their first daughter, Gwyneth Paige Claas, on March 4, 1999. They welcomed their second daughter, Calli Faith Claas, on May 11, 2001. The couple raised their daughters in Seneca, KS. Jamie and Deitra divorced in 2016.

In July of 2021, Jamie met Ashley Ashe. The two of them quickly fell in love with each other. Ashley moved from Hoover, AL, to Seneca, KS in 2022 where their relationship continued to grow stronger. Jamie and Ashley enjoyed spending time together by watching Netflix, going shopping together, and simply just enjoying each other’s company. Their household included a recent addition of a puppy named Tanner and their cat named Freya.

Jamie loved his daughters very much and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. The three loved playing video games together and enjoyed sitting on the porch watching a thunderstorm, and the occasional tornado roll by. Jamie and the girls could usually be found outside either working on projects or enjoying the outdoors. Jamie had a love for cars and built up an extensive collection of 1:18 scale cars over the years. Jamie was soft spoken, but his words carried meaning behind them. He had a smile and laugh that would light up the room and a kind heart.

Jamie was proceeded in death by his father, Robert Claas.

Jamie is survived by daughter and son-in-law Gwyneth and Cain Mitchell of Aledo, TX, daughter Calli Claas of Augusta, KS, mother Patricia Claas of Seneca, KS, girlfriend Ashley Ashe of Seneca, KS, ex-wife Deitra Claas of Augusta, KS, and four brothers: Ryan of Manhattan, KS, Jeremy (Jessica) of Kansas City, MO, David of Jefferson City, MO, Marc (fiancé Lindsay) of Manhattan, KS, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023, 6 to 8 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 3, 2023, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The burial will be held privately, in the church cemetery, next to his dad.