Jim Harris

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jim Harris, 74, of Loma Linda, MO, passed away March 4, 2016 at his home.

Jim was born on February 7, 1942 in Valley Falls, Kansas, one of seven children born to Verna F. (Bailey) Harris and James E. Harris. He graduated from Caney Valley High School in 1960 and attended Coffeyville Community College, where he played on the 1962 NJCAA national basketball team under coach Jack Hartman. Jim went on to Southwestern College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree and played on the 1963 conference championship basketball team. He earned his Master's in Education Administration from Wichita State University.

Jim met the love of his life Rita Kay McDermeit at Southwestern College and they married in 1963 in Winfield, Kansas. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013 with their family aboard an Alaskan cruise.

Jim spent a happy and satisfying career as an inspiring teacher, coach and school administrator. He retired in 1995 as Superintendent of Baxter Springs, KS Unified School District. He previously had been the Superintendent of Schools in Sedan, KS. He was a past president of the Kansas Association of School Administrators and member of the Council of Superintendents, and he served on the board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

Jim was an avid golfer and University of Kansas basketball fan, golfing almost daily with friends in his retirement and watching every Jayhawk game. He enjoyed memorable trips in the past few years to Ireland and Scotland, to Puerto Vallarta, and recently to Hawaii. And he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim was predeceased by his mother Verna and father James and sister Patsy Sanders.

He is survived by his wife Kay, son Brad Harris of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Kimberly (Kenneth) Krusi, and grandchildren Bailey and Sam Krusi, of Silverdale, WA. Also surviving are his siblings Janet Dickerson of Caney, KS, Sue Harris of Bartlesville, OK, Jeanne Sleeth of Kansas City, MO, Peggy (Herschel) Sampson of Kansas City, MO, and Richard (Bonny) Harris, Plymouth, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place Thursday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Joplin, where Jim was a member. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary of Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Southwestern College Athletic Department, Winfield, Kansas, or the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or other worthy charity.