James E. Koftan

March 18, 1935 - April 26, 2014

Andover, KS James E. Koftan, 79, died Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Life Care Center in Andover, KS. He was born March 18, 1935 at Shelbyville, MO the son of Leroy Charles and Alma Bertha (Lindsey) Koftan. On February 26, 1956 he married Lila L. (Marshall) at Moline, KS. She preceded him in death on March 23, 2014. Jim graduated high school in 1953 from Howard High School, Howard, KS. He played baseball and basketball at Coffeyville Community College, played baseball at Friends University where he earned a bachelor’s degree, then earned a Masters in Administration from Kansas State University. He taught math, P.E., boys basketball and track at Waterville, Riley County High School, was principal at Linn, KS, K-12, principal at Wathena High School, K-12, superintendent of Udall High School, principal at Garden Plain School, K-12, principal and superintendent at Utica Schools, superintendent at Spearville Schools where he retired then served on the Spearville School Board from 2001-2004. He was past Director of Kansas State High School Activity Association and was past Vice President of Schools for Quality Education. He spent his retirement traveling and enjoying his grandkids activities. He is survived by a daughter, Lori (Kent) Binford of Haviland, KS, three grandchildren, Ashley (Luke) Salmans, Audra Binford, Ross Binford, two great grandchildren, Liam and Adah Salmans, a brother Kenneth Koftan of Derby, KS, and a sister, Louise Heck of Howard, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lila and a brother, Leroy Charles (Buck) Koftan Jr. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, KS 67124. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Haviland Friends Church in Haviland, KS. Burial will be in Haviland Cemetery in Haviland, KS. Memorials may be made to the Haviland Friends Church or American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary.