James M. Hefling, 82, died Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at his residence. He was born March 18, 1933 at Halstead, son of Roger and Edith Alice Huffman Hefling. He was a lifelong Halstead resident and was custodian and gooundskeeper for Halstead High School.
Upon his retirement, he kept busy with his lawn mowing business and woodworking. He also spent many summer evenings umpiring all levels of baseball and softball games from t-ball to semi-pro in Halstead.
He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of First United Methodist Church; Ruth-Wilson American Legion Post 231; Masonic Lodge 46 AF & A, all of Halstead and the Scottish Rite.
On December 12, 158 he married Ruby J. Suderman at Hillsboro. She preceded him in death June 19, 2004.
Survivors: son, Duane (Shannon) Hefling, Burrton; daughter Denise (Charles) Woodard, Hutchinson; Brothers;John "Jack" (Wanda) Hefling, Danville Illinois; Jerry (Jeri) Hefling, Paola; Joel Hefling, Brookings,. S.D; Hefling, Brookings, S.D.sister;Jeanette Leroux, Columbia, Missouri; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Darrell Hefling, and a great-granddaughter, Braxton Carson.
Services were held at the Methodist Church in Halstead with Burial in Halstead Cemetery. Memorials to First United Methodist Church of Kansas Masonic Foundation. Kaufman Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
