James "Jim" A.

Haferman

James “Jim” Arthur Haferman

After starting his 58th year of doing what he loved and lived for, Jim Haferman’s official teaching career was ended by a month-long battle with cancer. He may have not been teaching in the classroom that last month, but he had many opportunities to tell and to show his faith because he was filled with joy to be with Jesus in heaven sooner than he had planned. His answer to how are you doing has always been the same, “As good as God wants me to be.” Even his doctor when he asked, how long do I have to live, said “God will decide that.” God did decide that the early morning of Wednesday, November 4, 2026 was the moment he would meet his Savior face to face.

On October 16, the Kettle Moraine Lutheran faculty received this update from President Jamie Luerhing: “We want to share with you all that Mr. Haferman has stepped away from the classroom on a medical leave so that he can devote his full energy to his health and treatment. For the past 45+ years, Jim has faithfully served KML families and students with deep humility and a genuine Christian love for his students. Countless lives have been shaped by his quiet and sacrificial leadership as a teacher, mentor, and coach. In all my years of ministry, I have never seen someone love Monday morning as much as Jim. Mr. Haferman wanted me to convey to you that there is no tragedy here, but it is simply possible that he will meet his Savior sooner than expected. This is the ultimate gift of faith in our loving God.”

James Arthur Haferman was born on August 7, 1947 to Alvin and Edna Haferman. He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin the second of six children. He became a Child of God through baptism at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Jim attended school there also with his grandfather, Walter Johnson, who was a teacher and principal at St. Paul’s. After grade school, Jim attended Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown from 1961-1965. He then attended Dr. Martin Luther College from 1965-1969, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in teaching.

Jim’s first Call was to Peace Lutheran School in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Jim was challenged by the Lord and teach grades 5 through 8, to be principal, head organist, choir director, janitor and coach. During his years at Green Lake, he attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to enter a Master’s program. He received his master’s degree in education with a reading emphasis in 1979. In 1977, the lord blessed Jim with a new challenge. He was called to teach grades 4 through 8, to be principal, head organist, choir director, janitor and coach at Grace Lutheran School in Eau Claire, Michigan.

In 1981 the blessings continued as the Lord moved the board to issue a call to James to teach at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Throughout the years at KML the blessings further continued to flow. Over the years the Lord has given James the opportunity to teach freshmen physical science, freshmen religion, freshmen advanced algebra, freshmen language arts, sophomore religion, sophomore composition and literature, as well as novel, creative writing, journalism 1 and 2, advanced composition and American literature, English literature, world literature, junior advanced algebra, computer applications, computer programming, computer graphics, geography of the eastern hemisphere, geography of the western hemisphere, United States history, current events. Jim says his family has been blessed with many fond memories of his coaching days of the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams. God has provided him the added blessings of a tremendous faculty, staff, administration, parents, and students.

On June 13, 1970, James received his greatest earthly blessing. He was married to Nancy (nee Just), his college love of four years. God blessed the marriage by allowing them to be the entire faculty at Peace, Green Lake (my best faculty meetings). The Lord has also blessed their marriage with four children who were all privileged to be graduates of KML.

Jim and Nancy were founding members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy; four children, Paul (Paula) Haferman, Philip (Nicole) Haferman, Peter (Jaime) Haferman, and Penny (Seth) Bergerud; eight grandchildren, Collin, Chase, Logan, Brayden (Sara), Alex, Sophia, Sam, and Ryan; eight step-grandchildren, Kailey, Aiden, Nolan, Michaela, Hunter, Collin, Seth, and Kendall; his mom, Edna Haferman (of 102 years old); his siblings, Hope (Steve) Wolf, Alan Haferman, Lyle (Cynthia) Haferman, and Dawn (A.B.) Pomerantz; his brothers-in-law, Mike (Michele) Just and Ritchie (Sue) Just; other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Haferman; a sister, Faith Haferman; a sister-in-law, Karen Haferman; and his parents-in-law, Leslie and Ruth Just.

Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School PAC, 3399 Division Road in Jackson, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A Service of Joy will be held at Noon in the PAC with Pastors Darren Knoll, Johnold Strey, and Clark Schultz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to: Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School Student Assistance, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Student Assistance, and Martin Luther College Student Assistance.

Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master.