James M. “Jimmy” Kauffman, age 83, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024 at his home in Virginia. Born on December 7, 1940, in Hannibal, Missouri, Dr. Kauffman’s early life experiences significantly shaped his future career.

Raised in a Mennonite household, Jim was instilled with values of nonviolence, social responsibility, and the importance of serving others, particularly those who are marginalized. These values likely laid the foundation for the man he would become and inspired his deep commitment to special education, especially for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Well into his retirement years, Dr. Kauffman actively solidified his legacy as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and iconic figure in the field of special education.

Jimmy’s journey through life was marked by love and family. As a young man he married Myrna Miller, with whom he had two children, Tim and Missy. Later, he found a deep connection with Patty Pullen, with whom he shared 25 wonderful years.

After Patty passed, Jimmy was blessed to find love once again with Jeanmarie Badar. For 11 blissful years, Jimmy and Jeanmarie created a life filled with adventure, compassion, and simple pleasures. They traveled extensively, broadening their horizons and creating lasting memories. Their beautiful mountaintop home became a sanctuary where Jimmy rediscovered his love for animals, surrounded by their beloved pets.

Jimmy was a person of passion and depth. He relished engaging in thoughtful discussions, particularly about children with disabilities and the role of educators in shaping young lives. His love for the arts was evident in his support of the Charlottesville Symphony, the University of Virginia, and public broadcasting. Jimmy also held a special place in his heart for the community, actively supporting The Center at Belvedere, an organization in Charlottesville dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors.

In his earlier years, Jimmy found joy in the great outdoors, fishing and camping with close friends. He appreciated life’s finer things, including gourmet dining and fine wines. Jimmy’s skills in woodworking found purpose in his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, where he contributed to building homes and hope for those in need.

Professionally, James M. Kauffman was a highly respected and influential figure in the field of special education. With over 50 years dedicated to improving special education and educational opportunities for students with disabilities, Dr. Kauffman’s legacy endures through his extensive research, writings, and profound influence on shaping educational practices and policies.

Dr. Kauffman earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Goshen College in 1962, followed by a Master of Education from Washburn University in 1966. He completed his Doctor of Education in Special Education at the University of Kansas in 1969, under the mentorship of Dr. Richard J. Whelan, a leader in special education. Dr. Kauffman’s early career included teaching emotionally disturbed children at the Southard School, part of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. This experience solidified his commitment to special education.

In 1970, Dr. Kauffman joined the faculty of the University of Virginia, where he embarked on a highly productive and impactful career. He collaborated closely with Daniel P. Hallahan, with whom he co-authored several influential textbooks, including Introduction to Learning Disabilities: A Psycho-behavioral Approach, and, Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, the latter of which became a foundational text in the field. Dr. Kauffman served as chair of the Department of Special Education from 1977 to 1981 and as Associate Dean of Research for the School of Education from 1981 to 1984. He retired in 2003 as Charles S. Robb Professor of Special Education but remained actively involved in scholarship and advocacy until his passing.

Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Kauffman authored and edited over 25 books and hundreds of scholarly articles and chapters. Among his most influential works are, Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Youth (co-authored with Timothy J. Landrum), and, The Handbook of Special Education (co-edited with Daniel P. Hallahan and Paige C. Pullen). He also served as editor of the Journal Remedial and Special Education and co-editor of Behavioral Disorders, playing a vital role in shaping academic discourse on special education policy and practice.

A steadfast advocate for scientific thinking, empirical research, and critical rationality in the educational field, Dr. Kauffman consistently emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in special education. His critiques of intuition-based approaches, often dominant in the field—particularly in relation to the full inclusion movement (meaning the elimination of all special education sessions outside of the general education classroom)—underscored the need for a nuanced, needs-based approach to educational placement and instruction. Dr. Kauffman argued that the success of special education depends on grounding decisions in empirical research and critical rationality, as he articulated in works such as, Education Deform: Bright People Sometimes Say Stupid Things About Education (2002), and, Toward a Science of Education: The Battle Between Rogue and Real Science (2011). His 1996 article, “Think About These Things: Gentleness, Truth, Justice, Excellence,” reflects the values that guided his work, emphasizing the need for individualized, evidence-based instruction for students with disabilities​.

Dr. Kauffman’s commitment to critical thinking, relentless pursuit of truth, and unwavering sense of justice for people with disabilities was exceptional in the field of special education. He dared to know, had the courage to express his opinions with parrhesia, and had a unique grace to communicate them. His scientific realist outlook, paired with his deep compassion, is a legacy that will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to walk alongside him. Colleagues and students alike remember Dr. Kauffman as a brilliant and compassionate educator whose mentorship shaped the careers of many of today’s leaders in special education. His approach to scientific thinking, combined with his deep empathy for students with disabilities, made him an invaluable advocate for evidence-based, effective teaching practices. The annual Badar-Kauffman Conference at Kent State University honors Dr. Kauffman’s advocacy of excellence in special education research and thought. His legacy continues to shape the work of researchers, educators, and policymakers worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to special education will benefit generations to come.

Jimmy’s final years were a testament to the power of love, community, and pursuing one’s passions at any age. His zest for life, his compassion for others, and his ability to find and nurture love will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife and partner Jeanmarie Badar; his children Tim (Michelle Miniuti) Kauffman and Missy (John) Schrock; stepchildren Lesley (Pat Knight) Myers and James (Brenda) Myers; his grandchildren Rachel Schrock, Loren (Claire Bolden) Schrock, and Emma Kauffman, Jack Miniuti, and Michael (Catelyn) Myers; his great-grandchild Graesyn Myers; his brother Stanlee Kauffman and sister Marcia Clark. Jim was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Carol, and sister Madonna Eberly.

A private natural burial will be held at Panorama Farms (https://www.panoramaburial.com/)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to the following organizations that were dear to Jimmy’s heart:

• National Public Radio (https://www.npr.org/) and the Public Broadcasting System (https://www.pbs.org/)
• The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia (https://cvillesymphony.org/)
• The Center at Belvedere (https://thecentercville.org/)