Clifford Dean Jantz passed away Friday, June 10, 2011, surrounded by family in Tucson, Ariz. Cliff was born July 22, 1935, in Isabel, Okla. He was the first of nine children born to Frank and Eva Jantz. He excelled in sports and graduated in 1953 from Rocky Ford High School.

Cliff served in Korea with the Army and while there, became a star member of their championship basketball team. Notably, he played on that team with Hallie Bryant. He also earned seven first place finishes in an international track and field competition.

Cliff received his B.A. and M.A. from Western State College. He began his teaching career in Holly, Colo. Later, he moved to Palmer, Alaska, to teach and pursue his coaching passions. In 1967, he settled his family in Coeur d'Alene where he became vice principal at the Jr. High School. He then served as principal of the Coeur d'Alene Middle High until 1975. He transitioned to Lakes Jr. High School as principal until 1984. Cliff finished his Specialist Degree in education at the University of Idaho. He continued his service in the Coeur d'Alene School District until retiring in 1998. Cliff was very proud of the team of educators he helped build and serve beside in this community.

In 1959, Cliff married Joyce and together they had four children. The family remembers summers spent traveling, visiting family and gardening. In 1980, Cliff married Shirlie and they were blessed to spend the last 31 years together. They built their dream home on Lake Coeur d'Alene, entertaining family and friends there often. Cliff and Shirlie were eventually drawn to Green Valley, Ariz. There, they formed a strong group of "BFF's." Cliff lived out his final years camping, traveling, spending summers with his grandchildren and enjoying life to the fullest.

Cliff was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Eva Jantz; and his sister, Carol Weibe.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Shirlie; children Scott Jantz, Paige Marshall (Dave), Roxanne Brown (Rick) and Colleen Frohlich (Mark); step-children Bruce Deming (Mary), Brenda Jeffries and Todd Deming; grandchildren Greg, Tyler, Lexie, Jocelyn, Andrew, Sam, Candace, Brayden, Josie, RyLee, Kylie, Jake, Quincy and Jesse; brothers Stanley (Violet), Benny (Patricia), Kirby (Cheryl), Raymond and Jeff (Gerri); and sisters Vangie Eck (Lloyd) and Mary Ellen Bishop (Bob).

We will love and miss you forever. Memorial to be planned for a later date.