James Allen Chisham, age 70, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 3, 2010 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS.

James Allen Chisham was born on August 13, 1939 in Wellsville, KS to Irving Allen Chisham and Sue (Sloan) Chisham. He spent his childhood in Wellsville. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1957. He attended Arkansas City Junior College (Now Cowley County Community College) and transferred to Southwestern College in Winfield where he earned his Bachelor's degree in education in 1963. He completed his Masters degree at Pittsburg State University in 1966.

He met the love of his life at church, and on August 5, 1960, he married Phyllis Oliver in Wagoner, OK. Jim's life-long career as a professional educator began in 1963. He was a teacher at Washington Elementary. He also worked as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School. When he earned his Master's degree he moved back to Washington Elementary as both principal and teacher. He served as Principal of both Madison and Washington schools then became the principal of Madison School. Simultaneously he served as principal of the rural schools in Mayfield and Rome. In 1970 Jim was named principal at the new Kennedy elementary School, a position he held until retirement in 1994. Jim's career spanned 31 years, 28 of which he served as an elementary school principal.

In addition to his career in education, Jim gave much of his time and devotion to civic and volunteer positions. He was a member of the Wellington City Council for 11 years. He was elected mayor of the City of Wellington for two terms (1999-2003). He served as President of the Integrated Community Health Board for six years as well as a member of the Four Rivers Health Care Board. He was a life member of the NEA, KNEA and Wellington NEA where he served as President for one year. He was a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, United School Administrators of Kansas, Kansas Elementary School Principals, National Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Professional Educators' Fraternity.

He also served on the Board of the Kansas State PTA for two years. The pinnacle of his professional career came in 1997, when Jim was elected to the Kansas State Teachers' Hall of Fame. He served on the board of the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce where he was treasurer for three years. In 1976 he was elected to the Board of Futures Unlimited. He was recognized in 2006 at the Futures 30th Anniversary celebration for his long dedicated service to persons with disabilities.

Jim joined the Wellington Kiwanis Club in 1984. He was named a Distinguished Lt. Governor, served as Governor of the Kansas Kiwanis, Heartland Division, and served on the Board of the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation for many years including one year as Secretary. He served as President of the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation from 2002-2003 and was well-known and highly respected by Kiwanians across the country for his tireless work.

In the community of Wellington, he served as a board member of big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Board of the Wellington Community Foundation and served as the Wellington representative to the Regional Economic Partnership (REAP) Board. He served on the board of the Wellington Senior Center and was President for two terms. He was a member of the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel, a member and past President of the Wellington Retired School Personnel. Jim was honored as the 2006 Distinguished Service Award winner for his community commitment from the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jim was elected to the Kansas HeadStart Association Board of Directors in 2005 and served as a representative from the Kansas HeadStart Association for the Region 7 HeadStart Association. He was a devoted member of the Assembly of God Church having served on their board for 29 years and was treasurer for 20 years.

Jim devoted his life to teaching, to his community and to his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever possible.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Phyllis.

Survivors include his three children, Jeff and his wife Nancy of Omaha, NE, Kevin and his wife Margaret of Wichita, KS, and Carla Browne and her husband Granville of Wichita, KS; seven grandchildren, Grayson, Timerra, Brady, Aimee, Allen, Aaron, and Andrew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow the service at Sumner Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.

Memorials have been established with Futures Unlimited and the First Assembly of God Church in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.