Michael James
May 11, 1939 ~ February 10, 2008
James, Michael A., 68, Wichita State University Professor Emeritus, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, died Sunday February 10, 2008. Memorial service 11:00 A.M. Saturday February 16, 2008 at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Michael was born May 11, 1939 in Tucson, AZ. He attended DePauw University for undergraduate school, and the University of Arizona for his Masters and Doctorate. Michael was elected Tucson Teacher of the Year in 1968. He served 30 years as a professor at WSU. He was responsible for the Middle School program at WSU, and was known as the Father of Middle Schools in the state of Kansas. He was also the founder of KAMLE (Kansas Association for Middle Level Educators). Michael was also a consultant for Quest International, an organization dedicated to teaching educators how to ensure a safe, drug and conflict free classroom. Michael is survived by his sister, Patricia Simpson, of Tucson, AZ, a niece and a nephew, and several cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Music Theatre of Wichita, 225 W. Douglas S-202, Wichita, KS, 67202, Butterfly Habitat c/o Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 North Amidon, Wichita, KS, 67203, and Positive Direction, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, KS, 67202.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I’m sorry for your loss. Dr. James was my advisor and instructor through the PDS program at Marshall. Although I wasn’t always sure what he was trying to teach us at the time, I knew I needed to go through the process of what he was asking us to do, because he had a reason for us doing it. He was a great person to learn from and always made everyone feel welcome when he was in the room.
After gradating from KU in l983, I began teaching in Wichita and started my Masters in Elem.Ed./Curriculum & Instruction. Needless to say, I had many classes from De. James – drove all over town/state to take his wonderful classes. In 1986, I became ill with MS, and your dad called to check on me and allowed me to finish his class/term papers/tests later on in the sememster. Will ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS KINDNESS AND CARING FOR OTHERS. He was quite a friend and person. Will miss him greatly! Such a special person. He had a neat office in Corbin Hall at WSU. Loved sitting down and chatting with him Bless him for his time on Earth! God Bless You! Ruthann Rees, MEd 1986
Michael was my teacher, my mentor, and my dear friend. He was special. Always there with a laugh or with compassion and never asking anything in return. While I am sure that you know how instrumental he was in our quest to make middle school education the best it can be and how aware you are of all his accomplishments, I hope also that you know what a wonderful human being he was and how dear he was to so many people. Michael was my advisor at WSU when I began my Bachelor’s program and I taught a Master’s class with him. We also worked closely together with the Professional Development Program for WSU and USD259. He taught me so much and encouraged me to be better than what I think I could have been without his influence. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Thank you for sharing Michael with me.
Pat, Nancy, Although I will be unable to attend the memorial service for Michael, I want you both to know that you are in my thoughts at this time… William Armbruster
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Michael James was wonderful teacher and mentor. He is one of the main reasons I became a middle school teacher, as well as one of the main reasons I have been successful at it. His humor and compassion not only made his lessons engaging and the learning lasting, they were also examples for our classrooms in the future. The world has lost a great man, but his spirit will live in those he taught and those they teach. I will miss him greatly!
Michael was a mentor and a KAMLE buddy. He was always there for me when I needed advice. He even convinced me to stay in Kansas. I absolutely adored him.
I was a student of Dr. James. He was in charge of the PDS Middle School Program and was my professor/advisor for two years. Dr. James was a gentle, compassionate, loving human being and I feel blessed to have known him and learned from him. God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Michael was a person who was respected greatly. I first knew Michael in the late 70’s and early 80’s as a new teacher of ‘middle schoolers’ at the 7th and 8th grade center in Winfield. Michael was instrumental in assisting us teachers with the Wichita transition to middle schools, and later was an instuctor for me in the 90’s when I was working on my Master’s. Michael’s messsage that transescents are unique individuals was clearly communicated with love and humor. His leadership has had great impact on this middle school teacher for 29 years. Thank you Michael.