James "Jim"

Edward Loftin

James "Jim" Edward Loftin, 67, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012, in Oklahoma City after a short illness. Jim was born December 21, 1944, in Carnegie, Oklahoma to Hank and Faye Loftin. Jim played football and basketball at Temple High School where he graduated in 1963. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Administration degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Jim began his teaching and coaching career in Davidson, Oklahoma, where his son Brad was born. He then accepted a position at Blanchard High School in 1969 where his son Blake was born, and remained there until 1982. Jim was a retired high school principal, athletic director, and basketball coach who was considered one of the most respected and beloved educators among his peers, students, and players. He is still referred to as "Mr. Loftin" by the many former students and players whose lives he enriched. Jim is survived by his wife Susan of Oklahoma City, sons Brad Loftin of Dallas, Texas and Blake Loftin and wife Katie of San Antonio, Texas, brother John Loftin and wife Betty of Munday, Texas, stepson Kelly Pickett and wife Nina of Oklahoma City, stepdaughter Julie Lindley and husband Allen of Durant, Oklahoma, step-granddaughters Shea Pickett and Sutton Lindley and step-grandson Catcher Lindley, and Alice Flanagan Loftin of Oklahoma City, the mother of his sons. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Blanchard, Oklahoma.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Blanchard Public School Education Foundation, P. O. Box 1994, Blanchard, Oklahoma 73010.