James E. Cluff

James Edward Cluff 98, retired USD 259 School Administrator, died peacefully on November 3, 2016, in San Diego, CA. James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Leila Cluff; sister, Barbara Ely; and brother, Bud Jacobs. Survivors include daughter, Judy Turner and husband, Larry; sons, Jerry Cluff and wife, Penny, Mike Cluff and wife, Iris Gonzalez; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. James was born in 1917 in Topeka KS. As a young child he was sent to an orphanage in Kansas City, but ran away and spent his youth growing up on the streets of Kansas City. Working through hardships of the great depression he found a way to survive on his own. He attended college for a time at Fort Hays, KS. After he married Leila, they moved to Wichita where he graduated from Wichita University. Later, with Leila's support, he earned his Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Arkansas. Dr. James Cluff became a highly respected administrator in the Wichita School district. He was an Elementary Principal in several schools and retired as Director of Elementary Education. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on November 12, 2016, at Resthaven Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Assistance League of Wichita (Scholarship Program) P.O. Box 8072, Wichita, KS 67208.