Jim Kauffman

In loving Memory, James "Jim" Kauffman, 67, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, September 4, 2012.˜ He was born November 12, 1944 in Iowa City, IA, the son of Jacob M. and Jean Christner Kauffman. He graduated from high school at Iowa Mennonite school and attended Central State University, Edmond, OK and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his classmates. He worked several years at Joetown Garage where he learned to love the Volkswagon Beetle. Jim lived in Puerto Rico for two years where he became interested in the science of mortuary arts.˜ He followed the harvest for several years which brought him west into Kansas.˜ He was the owner/director of Miller Mortuary since 1976. He was very passionate about helping others in their time of need. Jim loved fast cars, built a 1956 Chevy which was his pride and joy, his 1977 Corvette, collecting antiques and spending time with his family at the lake and playing cards. Jim was very active in the Liberal community.˜ He was a member of The First Christian Church, The Liberal Noon Lions Club where he also served as the president from 1982-1983, and a member of the Masonic Fargo Lodge 300 SW Shrine Club since 1979. He was also a member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, Liberal Elks Club, and the Liberal Country Club. On June 21, 1998 he married Vicky Passell in Las Vegas, NV. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Misty Passell-Kauffman, Denver CO; Shameem Kauffman, Los Angeles, CA; Tara Stahle and husband Shawn; one son, Jason Kauffman and wife, Tracy; his father-in-law, Jackson Moore; a special family friend Tanner Weeast, Emporia, KS; four sisters, Jo Firkins and husband Bo; Joyce Baron and husband Rick; Julie Jantzi and husband Phillip; and Janice Miller and husband Russell; three brothers, Jerry Kauffman and and wife Mary; Jorge Kauffman and wife Jennie; John Kauffman and wife Barbara; 6 grandchildren and his parents.˜˜ He was preceded in death by a brother Jeffrey Kauffman. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 8, 2012 at The First Christian Church.˜ Friends may call at Miller Mortuary from 1p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and from 10:00 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday. The family suggest memorials to The Kennedy's Disease Association or to Southwest Miracles in care of the mortuary. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jim Kauffman please visit our Sympathy Store.