Jerome Kane (Jerry) Fithian entered the arms of his Loving Savior on Dec. 29, 2023. Jerry, son of L. Boyd & Inez Bertha (Grapenthin) Fithian, was born June 6, 1951, in Denver and joined sister, Janet, and soon to be (10 months later!), sister, Joann, in their Montclair area home.
Jerry’s faith walk was diligently woven throughout his growing up years, but came to fruition his freshman year in college. He was very involved in Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) in Junior High and High School but was challenged with a personal relationship with Jesus by his college roommate. Through his mentorship and Campus Crusade for Christ, Jerry gave his heart, soul, and mind to Jesus and began his lifelong adventure walking with Christ.
While in the second grade the family relocated to Broomfield, CO where he would graduate from Broomfield High School in 1969. Being part of two state-qualifying basketball teams (winning it all in 1967!), were among the many highlights of his high school years. Jerry continued his education at Colorado State College (renamed University of Northern Colorado in spring 1970), playing 3 years for the mighty Bears basketball team, before earning his BA degree in 1974. He received his MA degree from Emporia State University in 1995.
Jerry’s first teaching/coaching position was in Estes Park, CO and, yes, his employing superintendent was his former high school principal! After two marvelous learning years at Estes Park HS, Jerry was ‘recruited’ by acquaintances made at Northern Colorado to leave his native state and venture to Central College (oldest 2-year Kansas college) in McPherson, KS where he taught various business courses and was assistant men’s basketball coach. He would remain there (renamed Central Christian College of Kansas, 4-year college in fall 2000) in various teaching/coaching capacities until retiring in July 2012. In September, Jerry joined the fun ‘helpful hardware folks’ at Graber’s ACE Hardware, remaining for 9 years. Other ‘joyous jobs’ included Sunday School teacher/usher (Free Methodist Church), bus driver (USD 418), part-time accountant (McPherson Travel), adjunct instructor (Hutchinson CC), real estate agent (Randy Flickinger & Assoc), finance manager (Wallace Chevrolet), restaurant server (Perkins), radio broadcaster (KNGL/KBBE), and, one of his favorites, city trolley driver (McPherson CVB).
He met his ‘green-eyed lady’, Carol E. Kane, while a dormitory Resident Assistant in fall 1970. They would marry June 9, 1973. To this 50-year union were born two children, daughter, Jamie Noel, and son, Jordan Kane, who brought their delightful spouses, Justin and Jennifer, to the family mix. Grandchildren Charlotte Mae Elizabeth Fithian and Jackson Thomas Fithian were behind the ever-present twinkle in Jerry’s eye.
Jerry enjoyed playing, coaching, officiating, and broadcasting basketball while filling his ‘off’ hours with cherished relatives and many friends: men’s prayer group, Bible studies, skiing (snow, water), golfing, bowling, card/game playing, traveling, dining out, puzzling (jigsaw, mind) and just ‘hangin out’.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, January 12, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Life service at the McPherson Free Methodist Church, 1010 South Maple, McPherson, KS at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Cremation has been chosen with final inurnment in McPherson Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Carol, of McPherson; daughter Jamie Long (Justin) of Ramona, OK; son Jordan Fithian (Jennifer) and grands Charlotte and Jackson of Concord, NH; sister Joann Vollmer (Denny) of Evans, CO; 4 nephews, 2 nieces, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd & Inez; a half-brother, James Boyd; a sister, Janet Lee; and his parents-in-law, Allen and Lucille “Sally” (Simpson) Kane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Christian College of Kansas, McPherson Free Methodist Church, or McPherson Family YMCA in Jerry’s name, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.