Memorial
James (Jim) Barthelme, 80 of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2018 after a short battle with cancer. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Jim was born July 27, 1938 in Ossian, Iowa and was the son of Marc and Elnora. He graduated from DeSales High School and the University of Iowa.
Jim served in the Army in Germany from 1961 to 1963. He married Margaret Neal on September 6, 1969. Jim worked as an investment broker, air freight salesman and at Sam’s Club for many years. After he retired, Jim served as a volunteer at the CR Veterans Administration clinic and was active in the local Knights of Columbus club.
Jim was an avid sports fan and enjoyed all University of Iowa sports, St. Louis Cardinals, Xavier baseball and CR Kernels games. Jim was quite the puzzle lover, spending time doing crosswords and Sudoku. Jim was an extremely loyal person to his sports teams, employers and family and had a very strong work ethic. He especially loved being a grandfather to his grandson Ryan and granddaughter Emma and enjoyed attending their sporting, dance and various family events.
Those mourning Jim are his wife Margaret of 49 years, and sons Jay (Lisa), Matt and Mark (Sara) and two grandchildren, two sisters Kay (Buse-Peterson) in Colorado and Jeannie (Mohr) in Wisconsin. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to extend thanks to the men and women of the Veteran's Administration clinic in Cedar Rapids, the VA hospital in Iowa City, Hospice of Mercy, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and Manor Care teams of caregivers who provided wonderful support and care for Jim and our family. You made a difference in a difficult time and we thank you all.