James C. Stansbury

James Clifford Stansbury was born on August 24, 1933 on a farm near Agricola, KS to Frank and Mae (Blair) Stansbury. He was the oldest of four children and it was on the family farm that Jim learned the value of hard work. It was a lesson that carried him through a life of service to others.

Jim graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1951 where he lettered in football. He attended Washburn University where he met his future wife, Sally Austin. They married on June 28, 1958 after Jim returned from his service in the U.S. Army. They were happily married for 64 years and had three children-Jerri Ann, Bill, and Chuck.

Jim was very proud to be a veteran and was recognized by the Hays Lions Club in 2023 for his service with the presentation of a Victory quilt. Lions Club was an important part of Jim’s life. He sold brooms door to door, helped out at the annual pancake feed, and helped sell bierocks at Oktoberfest every year to raise funds for the blind.

Jim was a life-long educator. He began his career in Ellis, Kansas in 1958, teaching science and physical education and coaching the Ellis Railroaders football team at the high school. He was given the Past Teacher of the Year Award in 2014 by the Ellis High School Alumni Association and was nominated by the class of 1959 for induction into the EHSAA Hall of Fame.

In 1966, Jim joined the faculty of Fort Hays State University where he became a professor of educational administration and counseling. During his time at FHSU, the Kansas Counseling Association presented him with the KCA Counselor of the Year Award in 1986, the KCA Distinguished Service Award in 1993, and election to the KCA Hall of Fame in 1996. He is the only person to receive all three honors during his career. Jim also continued his own education by earning an Education Specialist’s degree from FUSU in guidance and counseling, a Master’s degree in Educational administration from Emporia State, and a P.H.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kansas State University. He retired in 1996.

Jim became active in Special Olympics where he coached basketball, bowling, and track and field. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2002. He also served on the board of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas and was a big supporter of the ARC of the Central Plains accessible playground. If you visit the playground, you can have a seat on the Stansbury family bench.

Jim is survived by his children Jerri Black (Terry Tavis), Bill Stansbury (Lori) and Chuck Stansbury, by his brother Gary Stansbury (Patricia), his grandson Tom Black (Erica), and great grandson Alex Black, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, Kansas. Military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.