JAMES WILLIAM MORRICAL, 79, of Burden, Kansas passed away Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Born August 18, 1931 in Culver, Lincoln County, Kansas, he was the son of Jesse and Stella (McWhirt) Morrical. Morrical graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1949, and received a degree in Education from Southwestern College in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, as a medic on the battleship Missouri. A long-time resident of Winfield, Jim spent the later years of his life living with his wife, Ruby on a farm in Burden, Kansas.

Always a teacher, Jim Morrical believed passionately in the powers of education and science to make the world a better place. Morrical taught Earth and Space Science at Winfield High School for many years. Prior to that, he was a Chemistry teacher at Oxford High School. His skills as an educator helped to shape the lives of many, many young people. His talents were recognized when he was accepted into a National Science Foundation-sponsored summer program for teachers in the earth and space sciences, which was held at the Virginia State University from 1969-1972. Morrical later served as president of the Winfield USD 465 School Board. In his later years, Morrical spent time tutoring students with special needs in the Burden and Winfield school districts.

Jim's service to the youth of America did not end in the classroom. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America program, serving in adult leadership positions with Cub Scout Pack 318, and as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 316, both in Winfield. He led an expedition of scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 1977. He received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service from the Quivira Council, B.S.A in 1982.

Morrical's many interests included collecting rocks and fossils, fishing, cooking, organic farming, music and acting. His portrayal of Gene Simmons of the rock band ?KISS? At a WHS graduation party in 1978 will definitely not be forgotten!

He was a member of the American Legion Post #10 and a lifetime member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post #3544.

Most importantly, Jim Morrical was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His children will always remember the fossil hunting trips, fishing and camping expeditions and trips to Virginia Beach. His granddaughters will always remember the tractor rides with grandpa, collecting eggs and petting baby rabbits on the farm.

Jim is survived by:
His wife: Ruby of Burden;
His son: Scott Morrical and wife, Mila and their daughter Mae Mae of South Burlington, VT;
His daughter: Lauren Resa and husband, Patrick and their daughter, Isabel of Wichita;
His step-sons: Gary Cox and wife, Kathy of El Dorado; and Lloyd Cox and wife, Betty of Burden;
His sister: Irene McCormick and family of Salina;
His brother: Harvey Morrical and family of Assaria; and Howard Morrical and family of Culver; and
His many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel Marie Walker Morrical.

Funeral Services and military committal honors will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Winfield. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday, June 3, 2011 from 4 to 8 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Jim's name for USD 465 Foundation and for the VFW Post #3544. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.