James Kiehle

1943 - 2023

James Charles Kiehle, a beloved figure in the community of Brattleboro, Vermont, passed away on November 6, 2023. He was born on March 31, 1943, in Rochester, NY to Charles and Gertrude Kiehle. Jim's life was marked by a dedication to education, a passion for travel, and a commitment to community service.

As a young boy, Jim had the unique opportunity to be a bat boy for the Rochester Redwings baseball team, where he likely developed a lifelong love for sports. He attended college at Wesleyan University and, after graduating, he joined the Peace Corps in 1964, serving in the African nation of Liberia. During his time in Liberia, he played a vital role in building a school and met his first wife, Susan. Their union blessed them with two children, Ian and Allison.

Upon returning from the Peace Corps, Jim continued his educational journey by earning a master's degree from Antioch College. He then embarked on a remarkable 38-year career as a teacher at Brattleboro Union High School. For eight of those years, he served as the head of the social studies department, leaving an indelible mark on countless students.

Jim's dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. He was not only a passionate educator but also a staunch union supporter. At the local level he served in the Windham Southeast Education Association, and at the state level he served as the last part-time president of the Vermont National Education Association. Jim fervently advocated for making the position a full-time role, recognizing the importance of ensuring that teachers' voices were heard, and their interests protected.

Jim's commitment to education and his advocacy for the teaching profession touched the lives of many. His legacy, not just as an educator but as a champion for teachers' rights, will continue to inspire and benefit educators throughout Vermont.

Jim's love for sports and commitment to the community were evident in his roles as a soccer referee, softball umpire, and high school golf coach. His love for travel took him around the world, as he believed that one should never take the same path twice. He cherished the time spent visiting with his three sisters in Chicago, Alaska, and the UK.

Jim's retirement in 2006 did not mark the end of his service to the community. He became the community service coordinator for the high school and worked part-time at the Brattleboro Country Club in the grounds department. Additionally, he served on the Vermont Labor Board from 2008 to 2019 and was a director in the Vermont Golf Association, where he contributed to running amateur tournaments throughout the state.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janis, his sisters Myra, Marcia, and Janet, his three children, Allison and her husband Steve, Ian and his wife Katherine, their children Charlie and Evelyn, and Matt. In honor of Jim's memory, donations can be made to the Vermont Golf Association at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd., Suite 2172, Shelburne, VT 05482, or online to the Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will be held for Jim in the spring of 2024 in the Brattleboro Vermont area. Details and date will be announced soon.