Jack Halferty, 66, Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away while participating in a 5K race on July 15, 2017, in Brookfield, Mo.
Jack was born August 27, 1950 in Thayer, Iowa, to his parents Stuart and Jean Halferty. He graduated from Revere High School in 1968, and attended Northeast Missouri College in Kirksville, Mo., where he earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education in 1972 and 1975, respectively. On February 17, 1973 he married Deborah Blunt. They moved to Excelsior Springs in 1976.
Jack was a Middle School Mathematics teacher throughout his 30-year teaching career in the Excelsior Springs and Kirksville School Districts. Always an avid runner, Jack was also an admired coach for the Excelsior Springs Cross Country and Track and Field programs for seven years. He retired from teaching in 2002 and later from coaching in 2007.
Mr. Halferty was an inspiring and beloved teacher with a passion for mathematics and guiding student-athletes to achieve their potential in both the classroom and in competition. He was a positive influence for many students, student–athletes, co-workers and community members throughout his career and life.Jack is survived by his wife, Deborah Halferty; their only son and daughter-in-law, Clark and Megan Halferty; and two granddaughters, Kemper, age 7, and Kenley, age 9, of Lee’s Summit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Stuart Halferty of Revere, Mo.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, 1650 Rainbow Blvd., Excelsior Springs, Mo. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2017, also at the church, with burial following at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family suggest in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Excelsior Springs Athletic Department.
Arrangements are under the care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Debbie, so terribly sorry to hear about Jack. Sending my love and condolences to you and Clark and family. Very sad to hear. Love to all of you.
Dana King Tarpening
Debbie, Clark & family
I’m sorry I can’t make the visitation or funeral but I wanted to let you know that all of us at Peaksville are praying for you at this sad time. Sunday we were shocked to hear the news. As is tradition we tolled the bell Sunday and lifted you in prayer. Jack was baptized at Peaksville in June of 1962. Please know that my thought and prayers are with you.
Pastor Shawn McAfee and the Peaksville Christian Church Congregation.
My sincerest sympathy goes to Debbie and the family. Jack was a pleasure to work with. He always wore a smile.
Donna M Talbott
To Deborah, Clark and family,
So sorry to hear the passing of Jack. Jack was in high school when I was in grade school. But we all grew up in church together at Peaksville. We will pray for you in the days ahead.
In Sympathy,
Randy & Dana (Edlen) Justice