Memorial Posts

Eric Juergens ~ Class of 1974

Arrived ~ 11/28/1956

Departed ~ 9/4/2012

Lovingly reported by Esther Williams Kalbfleisch

I’m sorry to share with my ISB family that Eric Juergens, class of 1974 passed away in 2012. His college roommate just reached out to me recently. I’m not sure of all the years Eric attended ISB, but he was very involved with the theatre department. Some of the plays and musicals he did were: Celebration, 1776, Story Theater, Our Town, and Once Upon a Mattress. He was working in the education department of the U.S. Navy and lived in Leawood, Kansas. He will be missed by all the people he touched.

Esther Williams Kalbfleisch, class of 1975

Obituary:

Jurgen Eric Juergens
November 28, 1956 – September 4, 2012

IN THE CARE OF
Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home & Mount Moriah Cemetery South
Jurgen Eric Juergens, 55, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away September 4, 2012. There will be no services. Private family inurnment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road. Eric was born November 28, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas, son of Jack and Ruby Louise (Anderson) Juergens. He served his country in the United States Navy. Eric worked as project manager in education. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Elisabeth “Lisa” Juergens. He is survived by his daughters Erica Juergens and Katherine Bow; stepdaughters Michelle and husband Kyle Butler, and Heather Gipson; extended family and friends. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.

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Jim Sayre ~ Class of 1968

Arrived ~ 8/19/1950

Departed ~ 8/15/2025

James (Jim) Logan Sayre, 75, of Troy, Idaho passed away on Tuesday, August 26.

Jim was born on August 19, 1950 in Plymouth, Indiana, the son of the late James Wilcox and Elaine (Finke) Sayre. He attended York High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, and graduated from ISB International School in Bangkok, Thailand. He attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he studied zoology, and graduated from the University of Idaho with a B. A. in Wildlife Management. He was a premier cross-country runner in high school and college competitions and in the Boston Marathon. He served for many years as a smoke jumper for the US Forest Service based in Red Ives, Idaho, parachuting into remote rugged areas to perform initial attacks on wildfires. He later worked as an inspector for the Health Department of the state of Washington.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, hiking, exploring nature, nurturing wildlife, counting raptors during migration season for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and tending to the needs of the flora and fauna on his extensive property he fondly named Ursa Minor. He was a Protestant, but he found his true faith and communication with God in Nature.

Jim is survived by three sisters, Libby (Jason) Gray of DuBois, Pennsylvania, Pamela (Doug) Pickard of Port Orange, Florida, and Stephanie (Robert) Gray of Venice, Florida, nieces and nephews, Jennifer Pelner, Heather Billsborough, Ted Watkins, Kathleen Braun, Stephen Gray, Geoffery Benedict, Kelly Pickard, and Lindsey Schmidt, and 13 great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Watkins, and a great nephew, Michael Chiodo.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Sorenson Funeral Chapel of Aitkin, Minnesota is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice or to the Palouse Wildlife Reserve and Rehabilitation, 245 Second Street, Onaway, ID 83855.

Lovingly posted by: Stephanie Gray

I (with my sisters Pam & Libby) am extremely sad to let you all know that our dear brother Jim passed away this month before his 75th birthday. He recently had some serious medical issues, which unfortunately, took his life.

I will always remember the love Jim had for his beautiful prairie and the home he constructed on it. We always enjoyed sharing stories of wildlife sightings, many of which he shared with all of you on his FB postings.

His ability to remember dates and events was amazing, not just back to back to our childhood days, but historical events. He once told me that he hoped he inherited our Dad’s memory bank, & that he certainly did.

We miss him terribly, but will cherish the many happy memories we made together.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Beth Ann Slabaugh ~ Class of 1976

Arrived ~ 8/25/1958

Departed ~ 6/1/2025

Lovingly reported by Mark Slabaugh II

Obituary for Beth Ann (Slabaugh) (Brumbaugh) Chamberlain

Beth Ann (Slabaugh) (Brumbaugh) Chamberlain, 66, of Carrollton passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Beth was born in Canton, Ohio, on August 25, 1958, to Mark and Sarajane (Capper) Slabaugh.

Beth was a lover of plants and birds, and her home was filled with many hundreds of living plants.

To cherish her memory, Beth is survived by her parents, Mark and Sarajane Slabaugh; daughter, Ashley Ray Brumbaugh; a son, Dustyn Cole (Camila) Chamberlain; a grandson Rome Antonio Chamberlain; two brothers, David (Beverly) Slabaugh and Mark (Lorri) Slabaugh; and a sister, Laura (Robert) Gibson; plus many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes her body was cremated.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Joe Blakely ~ Class of 1967

Arrived ~ 8/4/1949

Departed ~ 8/23/2025

Lovingly reported by Gigi McInerney Blakely

Hi David, my sweet Joe, the love of my life passed away yesterday morning peacefully. I still can’t believe all this happened. It’s all so surreal. Joe was just so full of life especially with his music. He’s survived by me, his daughter Tawny(Ryan) who he raised himself as a single Dad. His grandkids, Adam Joseph and Mia Belle along with my son Justin Parra and his fiancé Jenna. His sister Jeanette (Susie) Frankenfield(Fred), along with her family, Nephews Christopher(Harley), Anthony and Andrew. Susie was also an ISB Alumni class of ‘66.
8-4-49 to 8-23-25. Joe loved all the ISB alumni and we thoroughly enjoyed every reunion. We were so sad. We had a bow out at the last minute for Scottsdale. He was devastated. He was so looking forward to it. He’s gone to every reunion since Long Beach 1998.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Kitty Gantt ~ Class of 1972

Arrived ~ 2/24/1954

Departed ~ 5/12/2025

Katha “Kitty” Gantt

Born on February 24, 1954, passed away on May 12, 2025. She is remembered for her positive attitude, sense of humor, and ability to connect with others, leaving a lasting positive influence on those who knew her. Memorial information, including the option to share memories and send flowers, can be found on her memorial website at Ever Loved.

https://everloved.com/life-of/katha-gantt/funeral/#5b7a9765-b1d9-47a9-84e0-cd1379e33cc3

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Mitch Clark ~ 1972

Arrived ~ 4/15/1953

Departed ~ 1/1/2021

Lovingly reported by Bill Clark.

Obituary for Mitchell Lee “Mitch” Clark

Private family gathering for Mr. Mitchell Lee “Mitch” Clark of Ruston, LA will be held at a later date.

Mitch was born April 15, 1953 and passed from this life January 1, 2021 at the age of 67.

Remember to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Griffin Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Chris Halpin ~ Class of 1970

Arrived ~ 11/16/1952

Departed ~ 8/21/2025

Lovingly posted by: Cathy Halpin Brown

Cathy Brown

·
My brother, Chris Halpin, class of 1970, passed away this morning after many set-backs following his kidney transplant surgery in February. He was a doctor of audiology at Harvard Eye and Ear Hospital. He loved to tell stories of his time in Bangkok, remembering it fondly. We even had his room at assisted living decorated with many of the treasures our parents brought back from Thailand! May he rest in peace.

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Suzanne Gerson ~ Class of 1977

Arrived ~ 7/22/1959

Departed ~ 8/16/2025

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Kim Crist ~ Class of 1981

Arrived ~ 11/27/1963

Departed ~ 8/8/2025

Lovingly posted by: Lisa Foster-Soule

Yesterday, August 8th, we lost our ISB sister, Kim Crist. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family and closest friends. As many of you know she had been bravely battling cancer and kicking its butt for over 6 years. Fighting with grace, grit, and the spirit of what one friend so perfectly called “a warrior princess” until the very end.

Hers was a well lived life cut too short but lived beautifully, intentionally full of deep interest in humanity and the wonders of our world. Kim leaves behind a legacy of what it means to be a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and, most of all, a true friend. She made a difference in everyone’s life that she knew. She wanted to hear your story and couldn’t wait to tell you about hers. She traveled this world over and over and had a bucket list she lived off of and accomplished much of it. Joyfully for me, in 2023 she and her sister Ellen made it to the Daytona ISB reunion which was barely enough time to catch up in person. And that same year she made her last big trip that included traveling to the Gallipolis Island with her best friend Carolyn Bird (ATA Airlines workmate for 13 years).

Today a big yellow butterfly soared past my window and I wondered if that was her and then a tiny little misplaced turtle ended up in my garage of all places…. Is that Kim coming to visit me???

She will be in all of the beautiful things that surround me. The sound of her laugh and her big smile will stay with me forever. I treasure her friendship dearly. Rest in peace my lovely friend. I will forever love you and keep you in my heart.

Lovingly posted by: Pam Reinhardt

Kim Crist They say one person can change the world. Throughout the many years that we have known each other and having the opportunity to be with you these past couple days and hearing from so many people, friends, family, daughter, coworkers, neighbors, the positive effect that you have had on our lives it’s hard to describe. Through your well fought battle you continued to help other people and go out of your way to do so. You always kept a positive attitude, and as you once said, after multiple things had gone wrong in one special day of yours, “well I’m not gonna get my underwear and a bunch over this. Let’s keep having fun!” The influence that you have had on people is amazing. Your smile, your laugh, your crazy dancing, doing outrageous things, the stories from people about being with you, your true caring with action, and the ability to talk like no other will continue in our lives and in our hearts.

Pete and I are forever grateful to have had you in our lives and you will always be held tightly in our hearts. Pete just added Kim, that you are one of his favorite people in the world. Water, lakes I’ve always been special for both of us. Now you are at peace and have no pain. Pete and I are heading out on the lake with a Miller Light in each of our hands and know that someday the waters will bring us back together.
Love you so much, Kim

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Stephen Mahaffey ~ Class of 1981

Arrived ~ 6/5/1963

Departed ~ 7/3/2003

Lovingly submitted by Doris Alexander Griffin.

Stephen Mahaffey Obituary

Stephen Ray Mahaffey, 40, of 1329 Brushy Creek Road, died Thursday, July 3, 2003, at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Anderson, he was a graduate of Easley High School and earned his B.A. Degree in Political Science from Western Carolina University.

Surviving are his parents, Rev. Jack Mahaffey and Oneida Dodson Mahaffey of the home; a daughter, Destinee Raye Mahaffey, of Easley; two brothers, Phillip Edward Mahaffey, of Ontario, Oregon, and Mark Allen Mahaffey, of Sanford, N.C.

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Dacusville. The family will receive friends following the service. Private committal services will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Building Fund, 4147 Dacusville Hwy., Easley, S.C. 29640.

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