With great sadness, Lindbergh Schools shares the passing of former Superintendent Dr. James (Jim) A. Sandfort, who died on May 18 following a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 81 years old.

Dr. Sandfort led Lindbergh Schools as Superintendent from July 1991 until his retirement in June 2008. Over 17 years, he became a transformative figure, guiding the district through a period of exceptional growth, innovation, and academic achievement. His leadership helped shape Lindbergh into a nationally recognized district of excellence and character.

Before joining Lindbergh, Dr. Sandfort served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Parkway School District and as a high school principal in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. His career in public education spanned 36 years.

At Lindbergh, Dr. Sandfort’s vision and dedication brought about groundbreaking programs such as the PEGS program for exceptionally gifted students, PRISM, Glory Awards, the OASIS mentoring program, Spirit Festival, and the formation of the Lindbergh Schools Foundation. He celebrated milestone moments such as the district’s 50th anniversary and welcomed Reeve Lindbergh for special district-wide events.

Dr. Sandfort led Lindbergh to multiple Missouri Gold Star School and National Blue Ribbon School recognitions, as well as five Distinction in Performance designations. In 2007, the district was named Missouri’s first “District of Character,” and the following year, the only district in the country to earn the National District of Character award—the crowning achievement of his educational career.

Bond issues passed under his leadership resulted in significant renovations and new construction across the district, including major improvements through Propositions R (1995, 2000, and 2006) and Proposition 4 (2003).

Upon retirement, Dr. Sandfort established the District Leadership Scholarship and Teacher Grant Program through the Lindbergh Schools Foundation, further underscoring his enduring commitment to education and educators.

“Jim Sandfort has been a major force in moving Lindbergh to the forefront of education in the St. Louis area and in the state of Missouri,” said former Board Secretary Vic Lenz in 2008. “His vision, leadership, and persistence have made a lasting impact.”

Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, Dr. Sandfort was a lifelong Lutheran whose deep faith guided his life and relationships. He graduated with honors from the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned a master’s degree from Harvard University. He completed his doctorate in education at Mizzou in 1971 and quickly rose through the ranks of educational leadership, becoming the youngest high school principal in Kansas history at age 28.

Dr. Sandfort’s accomplishments extended well beyond his professional life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, he was known for his humility, intellect, and passion for service. He served on the boards of SSM Health, Delta Dental, the Nurses for Newborns Foundation, the Wiegand Foundation, and the Open Space Council. He also volunteered with Missouri Retired Teachers, Sierra Club, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, among others. He and his wife Mellanie logged over 500 volunteer hours and secured grants to create nature-based programs for senior residents.

Jim’s many interests reflected his lifelong curiosity and love of learning—gardening, woodworking, leather tooling, stamp collecting, and reading about history, leadership, and faith. He was deeply committed to conservation, and he and Mellanie’s home garden earned a Gold Certification from the Audubon Society and was designated a Monarch Waystation.

Above all, Jim was a man of remarkable depth, humility, and kindness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mellanie (née Shelkey); their sons Mike (Eve Wang), Geoff (Amber Greves), and Tim Sandfort; and six grandchildren: Noah, Linnea, Wenkai, Madison, Clark, and Lydia. He is also survived by siblings Tom, Mary, Kathy, and George, and preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Edith Sandfort, and infant daughters Rachel and Stephanie.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 2-4 p.m. at Baue Funeral Home – Cave Springs. He will be interred privately at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Charles, Missouri. His full obituary can be seen here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lindbergh Schools Foundation – Innovation Grant Fund.

Dr. Sandfort’s commitment to education, character, and community continues to inspire all who had the privilege to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will benefit Lindbergh students for generations to come.