Karl Frederick Ijams

Karl Frederick Ijams, 87, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2020.

He was born June 12, 1933 in Kewanee, Illinois to Ethel and Orville Ijams and grew up in Cambridge, Illinois. He graduated from Augustana College in 1955 before entering the Marine Corps, where he served as a Company Commander. After his military service, he attended Illinois State University where he completed his teaching certification and met Judy, his future wife. In 1961, he completed a M.Ed at University of Illinois, where he served as the Assistant Dean of Men. He completed a Ed.D in Higher Education and Student Personnel Administration at Florida State University in 1971.

In 1971, he moved to Boca Raton where he became the Dean of Student Affairs at Florida Atlantic University. Beloved by the students, he worked closely with Student Government, Student Athletics and many other activities on campus. He served in professional organizations including: President, Florida College Personnel Association; Executive Board, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Chapter President, Phi Kappa Phi.

Karl was also an active leader in the community and always eager to help others. In addition to being an active member at First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, he served as the Past President of the Boca Raton Sunrise Kiwanis Club, Distinguished Lt. Governor of Florida District of Kiwanis International, Past President of Florida Kiwanis Foundation, Past President of Habitat for Humanity of Boca/Delray, and Board of Directors for AIDS Foundation of S. Florida.

In addition to these activities, Karl found time to coach and cheer on his kids at games and performances. He was beloved by his grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them. After retirement, he and Judy spent lots of time traveling the country in their RV and taking trips abroad. When he wasn’t busy, you could always find him reading a book or cheering for the underdog in whatever sport was on TV. He was quick with a joke, a smile, and had the most memorable laugh.   

Karl is affectionately remembered by his wife of 58 years, Judy, his children; Edward (Renea) Ijams and Joy (Chris) Matthews, his loving grandchildren; Keaton, Sawyer, Carter, Kellen, Emelia, sisters Chris Soderstrom and Charlotte (Robert) Telleen.

A small funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton. A celebration of life will take place later this year at FUMC Boca Raton, date TBD. Burial will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Donations may be made in memory of Karl Ijams to the Semper Fi Fund or Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County.

This link will be made active approximately 30 minutes prior to the 11:00 AM service.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE LIVE

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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