Memorial
William (Bill) Paul James, 85, of Center Point, passed away on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 15th, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced which requires a limited number of people to be allowed to attend at one time. The use of face masks or shields is required. A private family service will be held Saturday at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. The service may be livestreamed at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/28987214.
Bill was born May 26th, 1935 in Iowa City to the late Paul and Harrietta (Miner) James. He married Lillie Mae Fuller on January 14th, 1955 in Marion, Iowa. Bill spent a large portion of his life farming which was the real passion of his life. He continued this passion even after his retirement from farming in 1985 with life-long friend Don Hanson. Bill retired from Rockwell-Collins in 1990 after 27 years of service. He loved nature and the outdoors; enjoying activities like fishing and camping with his Waterville family as well as time spent time on Lake Tetonka. When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, he liked watching the Green Bay Packers, until they started losing. Bill will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the 3rd floor staff at Hallmar where he spent the last 23 months of his life. Their kindness, respect, love and compassion directed toward our father was appreciated in a way words can’t describe. Bill considered this place his home, and the staff and patients on 3rd floor affectionately named him “Wild Bill’. He was known as a man with an infectious sense of humor. Along with the staff of Hallmar, the family also wants to acknowledge Ruby Vandaver, and Erin Hodges for their Friday visits and making holidays special for Bill by decorating his room.
Survivors include his children Craig (Sheri) James of Marion, Iowa, Brenda Andrews (Brian Weekly) of Center Point, Iowa, Rick (Crystal) James of Walker, Iowa, and Nancy (Daniel) Jones of Walker, Iowa; Grandchildren; Brooke Tyler, Jason, Candice, Jennifer, Stace, Todd, Dustin; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Busenbark of Marion, Iowa.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Lillie of 59 years, grandson Zachary, and an infant sister Patsy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed towards Dennis and Donna Oldorf hospice house of Mercy.