November 22, 1943 – February 18, 2024
James (Jim) Roberts Miesner unexpectedly passed on to his heavenly home on Sunday, February 18, 2024.Jim’s life was filled with multiple achievements, but none were more important than leading his family in Christ. Born to William H. and Martha Frances (Roberts) Miesner in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 22, 1943,Jimdisplayed athletic skill, particularly in football. However, the Vietnam War interrupted Jim’s playing career when he patriotically volunteered to be an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Jim joined the Army in October 1966,served one tour (1968-1969) in Vietnam as a first lieutenant(often filling roles meant for officers two ranks above his).Jim was honorably discharged from active duty in April 1969 and married his wife of nearly 55 years, Ann (Morgan) Miesner on May 10, 1969.
Jim’s service in Vietnam earned him the Bronze Star medal, Combat Infantryman badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service medal, and National Defense Service medal, to name a few. Jim rekindled his love of football after his service by coaching for several institutions: Central Missouri State University (now known as University of Central Missouri), Fort Scott
Community College, Cowley County Community College, and Arkansas City High School. While coaching, Jim continued his pursuit of education and obtained his master’s degree and completed 77 hours of his doctorate. Jim served as Dean of Instruction at Panola College and culminated his career in education after 34 years of instruction and administration as President of Fort Scott Community College.
Jim actively participated in his community throughout his life and served in leadership roles across many organizations, including: Veterans of Foreign Wars (lifetime member), Kiwanis Club (board member), Kansas Award for Excellence (board member and judge), USD 470 Board of Education (elected two terms), Two Rivers Quality Improvement Network (chair 9 years), Bourbon County Economic Development(councilmember), Arkansas City Beautification Foundation (trustee), Southwestern College Business and Industry Professional Development Center and Teacher Education Advisory committees. While busy serving his community, Jim also served his church family acting in leadership and teaching roles too numerous to list.
While he gave his time to athletes, fellow coaches, students, educators, his community and church, Jim’s greatest achievement was how he poured the love of Christ into his family throughout his years. Jim chose to spend his retirement years praying, learning, and growing closer to his Savior, and he passionately shared his discoveries with his family at every opportunity. Holiday gatherings, visits, and phone calls always included conversations about the Lord and how He is alive and working in each of his family member’s lives. His unchangeable inner core of belief in Christ is Jim’s greatest contribution to those that he influenced.
Jim also possessed a lighter side. He never missed an opportunity to capitalize on his reputation as the King of Dad Jokes, often baffling those around him with his ultra dry sense of humor. He took immense joy and comfort in the laughter of his family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, William H. Miesner; mother, Martha Frances (Roberts) Miesner; and brother, William(Hank) H. Miesner. Jimis survived by his loving wife, Ann (Morgan) Miesner; children Kurt A. Miesner (Davi), Francy Miesner Mueller (Scott), Matthew Miesner (Shelly) and Hank Miesner (Tara); grandchildren, Riley Mueller, Cooper Mueller, Morgyn Miesner, Hugo Miesner, Emmy Miesner, Brody Mueller, Adeline Miesner, Lydia Miesner, Henry Miesner, Grace Miesner and August Miesner; sisters, Ann Ogle (Robert), Sue Burton (Ed) and Eve Bradsher (John) and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Memorials are suggested to either Folds of Honor or Samaritan’s Purse and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
