David J. Blackim, 71, died May 24, 2006, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.

He was born Feb. 8, 1935, in Wichita, the son of David Francis and Virginia Nordyke Blackim. He graduated in 1945 from Hutchinson High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958 and his Master of Science degree in 1961, both from Emporia State University. He taught for three years in Russell, five years in Topeka and joined the Hutchinson Community College staff in 1966. He was a professor for 31 years, retiring in 1997. During his tenure at HCC, he served many years as a successful debate and golf coach.

He belonged to First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and on the Pulpit Nominating Committee. He was chairman for nine years for the HCC Department of Arts and Humanities, past president and officer of the Hutchinson Civitan Club, past president of the Hutchinson Police Department Volunteer Patrol, served on the RSVP Council, was a board member of the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson (TECH), committee chairman of the Grandview Park Fund Drive, committee member of the Hutchinson Skateboard Park Fund, member of the Kansas National Education Association, National Education Association, past president of the National Junior College Speech Association, past president of the Hutchinson Community College Faculty Association, past president of Prairie Pups Motorcycle Club, and volunteer for the Hutchinson Area Cancer Support Services Group. He received the Distinguished Teacher Award for the Hutchinson Community College Alumni and Friends Association, the TECH President's Award, Hutchinson Civitan Club's Honor Key and Award of Outstanding Service from the National Junior College Speech Association.

On Aug. 26, 1956, he married Annasteen Nelson in Hutchinson. She survives.

Other survivors include: three sons, Kirk, The Woodlands, Texas, Brad, Broken Arrow, Okla., and Marc, Wichita; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, with Pastors Tim Soule, Helen Moore Spath and Richard Ratzlaff presiding. Visitation will be from 9 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to TECH, Hutchinson Area Cancer Support Service, Hospice of Reno County or First Presbyterian Church, all in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.