James Laettner

June 12, 1945 – May 25, 2013

James “Nipper” John Laettner, a retired McKinley High School teacher and Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, passed away peacefully in his home in Tampa, Florida on May 25, 2013.

He was born and raised in Buffalo, son of the late George and Sophie (Beutel) Laettner. One of four children, Mr. Laettner attended McKinley High School, where he trained in plumbing. After graduation he was drafted into the Army where he served as Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Upon return to Buffalo he continued his training with Plumbers Local 36 (later Local 22). After receiving his teaching degree from Buffalo State College, he taught plumbing at McKinley High School for the next 32 years, where he was honored as Teacher of the Year. He was passionate and instrumental in guiding the lives of many of his students.

After retiring from McKinley High School in June 2002, James moved to Florida where he pursued his passion for golf and travel with his wife.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra (Wilke) Laettner; brothers, George (Bonnie) Laettner and Francis (Mary Lou) Laettner; sister, Irene (Paul) Zawadski; sons, Jason (Amy Gardner) Laettner and Evan (Jessica Girtman) Laettner; step-son, Frederick (Courtney Jackson) Ullrich; grandchildren, Lindsay and Sean Laettner and Allison and Isabel Ullrich; many nieces and nephews; and former wife, Linda (Martin) Laettner

A celebration of life will be held in Buffalo with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.