James Criswell

James Ralph Criswell, age 77 of Coffeyville, died April 19, 2006 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Jim was born December 7, 1928 in Fredonia, Kansas to Ralph E. and Lillian Cauble Criswell. He grew up and graduated from high school in Fredonia, Kansas. On August 24, 1952, he married Patricia Lee Bauman in Salina, Kansas. He joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1957. He attended Wichita State University and received a Bachelor of Music Education degree and then a Master of Music Education degree from Fort Hays State University. From 1961 to 1988 he was the Vocal and Instrumental Music Director at Coffeyville Community College. Afterward, from 1988 to 1993, Jim served as the Director of Central American Scholarship Program out of Georgetown University. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as former choir director. Past memberships include the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, and Music Educators National Conference. He was past President of the Kansas Band Masters Association. Jim also served on the Board of Trustees at Coffeyville Community College. Jim was very devoted to his children and grandchildren and loved to spend time with them. He touched the lives of his family, friends, and students with his humor and love and had a profound impact on so many people. He loved to make people laugh and could bring out a smile in anybody. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, and cruising. He is survived by his loving wife Pat Criswell of the home, sons Jim and wife Betsy Criswell of Littleton, Co and Randy Criswell of Laguna Niguel, Ca, daughter Kerri and husband Bill Oswald of Austin, Texas, and grandchildren Lauren and Samatha Criswell, Erich, Hanna, and Jon Oswald. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter Lorri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville. Reverend John Collins and Dr. Wayne Norton will officiate and entombment will follow in the Penwell-Gabel Restlawn Memorial Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Bill Strecker, Max Wilson, Charles Thurman, Dr. James Stringer, Gilmer Nellis, Woody DePointer, and Richard Wells. Friends may call on Thursday beginning at noon until 9:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m, and Saturday until 11:00 A.M. In lieu of other remembrances, the family requests that memorials be made to the Jim Criswell Scholarship Fund co Coffeyville Community College. But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly -Hebrews 12:22-23 To leave a special message or view the obituary please visit on-line, www.penwellgabel.com