Verla A. James

JAMES Verla A, 59, of Leavenworth, KS, passed away Wed, Dec 24, 2008, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She was born Aug 24, 1949, in Lexington, KY, the daughter of John R. and Mildred (Breeden) James. In 1972 she married Ken Reynolds in Lexington. On April 22, 1989, she married Terry Cain in Leavenworth, KS, "best man ever was" He survives at the home. She is also survived by her father, John R. James and wife Frances of Lexington, KY; her sister, Roberta Long and husband Jim of Lexington; her daughters, Erika Cassel and husband David of Bremerton, WA, Lori Cain-Dossey and husband Tim of Lansing, KS, and Jaimie Cain and fiancé Phillip Simanowitz of Leavenworth; her grandchildren, Elijah Dossey 12, Alice Cassel 10 and Abigail Dossey 8. Verla graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington, KY, in 1967. She received her Bachelors of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1972. She was a member of Kappa Delta Tau sorority. Verla obtained her Masters of Education degree from Kansas State University in 1993. She was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa professional fraternity. Verla worked for the Bureau of Prisons for 22 years. She retired in 1989 as the Education Administrator for the Kansas City regional office. She was the first female superintendent of education in a maximum security penitentiary. Following retirement Verla worked at Kansas City Kansas Community College from 1999 to 2001 as coordinator of adult education. She was the director of the Leavenworth Outfront adult education center from 2001 to 2005. In retirement Verla kept busy as a volunteer with the Friendly Visitor program. She was the president of the American Association of University Women. She was a proud member of the Bureau Belles. She and her husband took many trips in their RV and enjoyed bluegrass festivals, canoeing, and spoiling their grandkids. Verla was especially proud to have been involved in the Leavenworth school bond issue and the presidential election. She was preceded in death, by her beloved mother Mildred James. The family will receive friends from 5-6pm Tue, Dec 30, 2008, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 6pm at the funeral home. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Verla A. James Adult Education Scholarship Fund. www.leintzfh.com