James Jim Haught

James "Jim" Eldon Haught, 84, died on Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Wichita, Kansas. He leaves his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; children, Marc Haught and Brenda Jones; brother, John; grandchildren, Kory, Kyle, Brandon, and Scott; and great-grandchildren, Marcus and Allison. He is preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and James Haught; and sisters, Lois and Linda. Jim was born in Moscow, Kansas and moved with his family to Wichita in 1940. He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1951 where he was National Society Student and standout athlete leading East to a state baseball championship during his senior year. He went on to play semi-professional baseball with the Boeing Bo-Jets and played college baseball at Wichita University. During his baseball career, Jim was always proud to have his little brother around with him in the dugout and John would often serve as the teams batboy. Jim and Phyllis began dating while in the 9th grade and eventually married on June 28th, 1952 at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita. He graduated from Wichita University in 1955 with a degree in education and a lieutenant commission from the ROTC. Upon graduating from college, he enlisted into the army and he and Phyllis moved to various army bases around the country. Jim went from active duty to the Army Reserve in Independence, Kansas which allowed him to pursue his desire to coach and teach. After 12 years in Independence, Jim took his family back to Wichita so that he could take a PE job and be the head baseball coach at his alma mater East High School. While at East, Jim continued his education at Pittsburg State to get his masters in school leadership. He went on to become at highly respected school assistant principal and principal at various junior and senior schools in the Wichita Public School System. Concurrently, Jim also continued his service in the military. He went on to become the commander of the 89 Army Reserve Command, supervision all the army reserve divisions in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas and he was promoted to Major General. In 1993, he was assigned as Deputy Commander 5th Army at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas. After 30 years of military and educational service, Jim retired and he and Phyllis spent their time traveling to various world-wide destinations as well as playing golf. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 30, 2017, at Hillside Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that denotations be made to Alzheimers Association, Central & Western Kansas 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67214, and Hillside Christian Church 8330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67206. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.