James Coffroth

Retired journalism professor dies at 86

James McDonald Coffroth, a journalism professor at NAU from 1970 through 1979, died in Prescott on his birthday, May 24. He was 86.

Dr. Coffroth also served as advisor for NAU's student newspaper, The Lumberjack. He was an early member and president of the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association, devoted to providing hands-on experiences for high school journalism students and their advisors.

He began his journalism career as a staff reporter for the Miami Herald. He also worked as a journalism and English teacher, was a justice of the peace and served in the Army during World War II, during which he earned the Combat Infantry Medal and two Bronze Stars.

Dr. Coffroth received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Miami, a master's degree in history and government from New York University and a doctorate in education from Arizona State University.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce McDonald Coffroth, and his wife of 58 years, Carol Armington Coffroth.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Susan Coffroth, Sally Ann Epperson, Peggy Jo Kingman and John Armington Coffroth, five grandchildren and two sisters.

A memorial for Dr. Coffroth will be 2 p.m. July 15 at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset Ave., in Prescott.