Lamar June Kauffman

LaMar June Kauffman, best known as “Jack” and/or “Bird” to family and friends, peacefully passed away at his Laurel, Md., home on Feb. 21, 2023. LaMar, 79, was born May 21, 1943, in Goshen, Ind., where he grew up.

After graduating from Goshen High School in 1961, he enlisted in the Army to be near his older brother, Michael Monroe Kauffman II, who also volunteered for the Vietnam War and re-enlisted for a second tour of duty as a Navy HM2 Corpsman with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines.

While his brother was in Vietnam, LaMar honorably served with the 76 th USASA Special Operations Unit and was stationed at decorated Shu Lin Kou Air Station in Taipei, Taiwan. His beloved brother, however, was mortally wounded in Quang Ngai Province on a rescue mission April 5, 1967, during Operation DeSoto.

After being discharged from the Army and returning home to Elkhart County with his new family, LaMar began undergraduate studies at various Indiana colleges and eventually graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. Degree in Biology in 1971.

Soon after, LaMar moved to Baltimore and started his teaching career at Stemmers Run Middle School. After several years in Baltimore, where LaMar and his oldest son, gained a passion for golf, the Colts, and Orioles, LaMar returned to Taiwan where he taught for 10 years as a beloved Science Teacher at Taipei American School.

In 1984, LaMar returned to Baltimore with his family and his wife on sabbatical to pursue doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University. The sabbatical led to another illustrious 20-year career with the City of Baltimore, where “Bird” served as the Assessment Facilitator of an innovative General Educational Development Testing and Tech Training program championed by former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke.

After helping hundreds of inner-city residents pass this High School Equivalency Diploma Program and start successful careers themselves, LaMar retired from the City of Baltimore in 2006 when the program was discontinued.

In his retirement years, “PapaBird” enjoyed being around his three children, six grand-daughters, and spending time supporting Maryland’s thoroughbred racing industry. He also was an avid golfer, becoming a member of Bowie Golf Club where he was the proud club champion at one time and made his only career ace with a 7-iron on the 130-yard 13 th hole nearly 13 years ago today.

LaMar was preceded in death by his parents, LaMar June Kauffman and Helen Cart Ernsberger; and his brother Michael, and sister, Marilyn M. Cook, also from Goshen.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline Lum Kauffman; and his three children, Scott Gerald Kauffman (April); LaMar June Kauffman, and Kimberly Christine Ramos (Alex). He is also survived by 6 granddaughters, Morgan and McKenzie Kauffman, Stella and Sophia Ramos, and Olivia and Julia Kauffman.

LaMar also leaves behind numerous half-siblings, including his little sister Jodene Law and brother Tom Ernsberger. LaMar’s final wishes were to be cremated and per his request there was no memorial or service being planned.

In honor of LaMar, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society; American Heart Association and/or the Parkinson’s Foundation.