James A. “Jimmy” Stouffer
WICHITA – James A. 'Jimmy' Stouffer, 81, passed July 10, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born November 24,1941, in Glen Elder, Kansas to David Frank and Pauline Louise Kohler Stouffer. He attended Naomi Rural Grade School and graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1959. He joined the Air Force serving in Harlingen, Texas and Tachikawa, Japan.
Returning to Kansas in the summer of 1963, he hired on to a harvest crew and cut wheat up to the Canadian border. When he returned home, he met Dorislea Ann Schaffer. They were married June 3, 1964 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, Kansas. They shared 59 years of marriage and raised three children, Allen Dale (Lisa) Stouffer, Angela Ann (Steve) Trotter, and Carl James (Sherri) Stouffer.
James became a Certified Flight Instructor (single and multi-engine rating) and a FFA Flight Examiner. He was the owner/ operator of Stouffer Flying Service for 17 years. At this same time, he operated a Grade A Dairy and pig farm. After selling the flying service and farm, he piloted for Lifewatch Air Ambulance, Hays, Kansas and then Eagle Med Air Ambulance in Goodland, Kansas until he retired in 2007.
Over the years, James was blessed to have a number of individuals call him 'Dad', ranging from the many young college students that worked for him, to the seven foreign exchange students he and his wife hosted, Fernando (Spain), Roberth (Costa Rica), Bruno (Brazil), Luis (Brazil), Rodolfo (Chile), Petya (Netherlands) and Eder (Spain).
James had several hobbies. While on call, in between flights, he made wooden replicas of airplanes, combines, tractors, farm implements, semis, caterpillars, and toys. If he wasn't in his shop, you could find him at the lake, river, or ocean (while wintering in Port Isabel, TX) with his wife, camper, and fishing poles.
James is survived by his wife, of the home; three children and their spouses; nine grandchildren, Anthony (Lyndie) Trotter, Rachel (Scott) VonFeldt, Cody Trotter, Erin (Ryan) Sims, Brandon (Alexis) Stouffer, Joseph (Stacy)Trotter, Tyler Trotter, Lucas (Megan) Stouffer, and Shelby Stouffer; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ronald (Marcia) Stouffer, David (Janice) Stouffer, Eldon (Gladys) Stouffer He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, James Russell Trotter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in James' name to Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill, Suite, 403, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 15, 2023, Heritage Baptist Church, 13500 W. 13th Street N., Wichita, Kansas 67235.
Viewing will be one hour prior and one hour after services at the church.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
