James Glynn

Born in Dubuque, IA
Born on Jul 1, 1932
Departed on Jan 6, 2019

Memorial

James J. Glynn, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 6, 2019. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will also be held at St. Jude's from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11. 

Jim was born July 1, 1932 in Dubuque, the son of James and Clara (Specht) Glynn. His family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1942. He graduated from St. Patrick's School in 1950, and attended Coe College until joining the Air Force on December 1,1951. In 1954 Jim began his career at Collins Radio. He traveled extensively, especially to Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD, where he worked on the installation and support of the communications equipment aboard Air Force One. He retired from Collins Radio after 34 years. 

Jim assisted with the development of St. Jude Parish and LaSalle High School. He was a church lector, choir member, funeral assistant and Boy Scout Leader. In addition to serving as a chairman of the St. Jude’s Sweet Corn Festival, he gained the reputation as being ‘The Voice” of the festival during his years behind the microphone as chairperson of the Information Trailer. 

A long time member of SAPADAPASO (Saint Patrick's Day Parade Society), Jim was twice president and for many years served as Treasurer. Portraying St. Patrick, he also led the parade down the avenue for 18 years. 

He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus (serving one term as Grand Knight), the America Legion Post PEKOMY 0572 (Fairfax, IA), Fraternal Order of Eagles 2272, Moose Lodge 304, an officer with the Catholic Order of Foresters and a member of The Sandy Beach Camper’s Club.

Jim’s greatest passion was camping with his family and their friends. 

He is survived by Joanne (Griffin) Glynn, his wife of 64 years, whom he met in 5th grade when he moved to Cedar Rapids. They married on Jan. 3, 1955 at St. Patrick's Church. Together they had 9 children: Brian (Terri), Eileen Crowley, Maureen Smalley (Gary), Christeen Faille (Steven), Joleen Hinkel (Trevor) all of Cedar Rapids. James/Sparky (Laura) of San Clemente, CA, Kayleen Schwartzenburg (Irvin) of New Caney, TX, Kelly (Fiancé Krista) of Clarance, IA, and Michael (Molly) of Shellsburg IA.

He is also survived by three sisters; Joan Hinton, Karen Kleinmeyer, both of Cedar Rapids, Clare Coder of Harpers Ferry, IA, three brothers; Donald Glynn (Ruby) and Gilbert Glynn (Renee) of Apache Jct, AZ, Robert Glynn (Paula) of Manchaca, TX, and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Jim & Joanne's legacy of love and commitment has grown their family to 103 members, including 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. They are best known as The Glynn Gang. Sláinte!

Memorials may be directed to Discovery Living.