James “Jim” A. Long
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** Inurnment for James “Jim” A. Long will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Pioneer Cemetery with a Memorial Service celebrating Jim’s life from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Malott Room at the KU Student Union on Saturday, August 27th.**
James “Jim” A. Long of Lawrence, passed away at the age of 78 on July 27, 2022 at Bridge Haven Memory Care. He is survived by his wife, Larissa; a brother, John W. Long of Wichita; a stepdaughter, Kerri and husband Matt Lawlor, three grandsons, Calvin, Nolan and Tyson, all of Highlands Ranch, CO; and a sister-in-law Linda Allen and partner, Sally Cook.
Jim was born to the parents of John Warren and Lucille Long on March 4, 1944 in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Newton High School. He was president of the 1962 graduating class, and proudly attended and presided over the “Railroaders” class reunions every 5 years.
Jim retired from the University of Kansas in 2009, having been employed in the field of higher education for 33 years. He served as the Director for Outreach Development for KU from 2007-2009; as Vice-Provost for Facilities, Planning & Management from 1999-2007; as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of the Kansas Unions from 1994-1999 and as Director of the Kansas & Burge Unions from 1983-1994. He chaired the KU Campus Historical Preservation Board from 2000-2009. Jim received the Citation for Leadership and Achievement in Student Services at the University of Kansas and in appreciation for his years of service at KU, an endowed scholarship was established at KU Endowment Association.
Prior to joining KU, Jim served as the Associate Director of the University Union at Virginia Polytechnic Institute University from 1972-1983. While attending Emporia State University, he served as the Assistant Director and Program Director for the Memorial Union from 1966-1971.
His professional associations included memberships in the Association of College Unions, the National Association of College Auxiliary Services and the National Association of Campus Activities.
He received his Specialist in Education, Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science degrees from Emporia State University.
Jim served in the Kansas National Guard and supervised the Administrative Orders Unit, on Kunsan Air Base, Korea.
His community involvement included serving on the board of directors of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Douglas County United Way. He was a graduate of Leadership Lawrence and was appointed to serve on the Kansas Fire Safety Training Commission by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, holding the position from 2004-2009.
He has been described by friends and colleagues as a “man for all seasons” for the division of Student Affairs and the University. His talents and concerns extended beyond the Kansas Union to the programs and people of Kansas University and were demonstrated many times during his service directing the Lawrence campus facilities planning and operations program. He will always be remembered for his dry wit and admonishments to “dot the i’s and cross the t’s”.
Memorials may be directed to KU Endowment for the James Long Scholarship; the United Way of Douglas County, Inc.; or the Parkinson’s Foundation c/o Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My condolences to Jim’s family. I worked for Jim at the Kansas Union and he trusted me and gave me opportunities for growth in my career. I am grateful to have had known him.
Jim Long was instrumental in making KU a strong and vital institution. As Director of the Memorial Union, he restored and expanded its services, programs and facilities—making it a landmark in the field. He advanced to Strong Hall as Vice Provost, addressing the vital and daunting challenges of Parking/Transit, Public Safety and Facilities—again distinguishing himself in the effort. As a colleague, he was generous and supportive; his sly humor and sage counsel a tonic. His service legacy will long sustain KU and Jayhawks everywhere.
We extend our condolences to Larissa and all of Jim Longs family. He truly was a “man for all seasons”, benefiting many others through his educational services.
Larissa, my heart reaches out to you. You were such a wonderful caregiver for him.
This is the time of mixed emotions. It is, of course, a relief to you that he is not suffering anymore and a relief that you don’t have to stand by helplessly watching.
Yet you miss him desperately, and wish he were still alive. Both sides of the equation are normal, even though you may feel like a ping-pong ball going back and forth between them. Do your best to honor your emotions and allow them to surface whenever they come. Arms around you, Neta
Thinking of you and your family Larissa…thoughts and prayers your way!
I knew Jim early in his career and had an opportunity to observe his efforts to ensure that it continues to be a treasure of the University central to the memories of alumni, faculty and friends on the the University. Few leave such a legacy.