Memorial
James Howard Struve, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Friday, April 19, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 25th at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for James Howard Struve, under the video tab starting at 11:00 am, April 25th. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom on Wednesday, April 24th from 4pm – 7pm.
Jim was born May 29, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Wilfrid and Ruth (Schump) Struve. He graduated from Washington High School in 1959. He attended University of Iowa and UNI. He met Sandy, the love of his life, in 1961. They were united in marriage on February 9, 1962, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Jim’s career in banking began in 1965 at Merchants National Bank in Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed working at the starting line with the MNB Biggy Bank Bike races in the 70’s and 80’s. Jim purchased City National Bank in 1987 and loved his time as a banker. Jim was a former President of Elmcrest County Club and a former President of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years while his sons were in scouts, enjoying trips to the boundary waters. Jim retired in 1993 and enjoyed traveling with Sandy for many years, in addition to spending time at their second home in Henderson, NV. One of Jim’s greatest joys was spending time with his family, playing with his grandchildren, taking trips with the entire family, and the numerous hikes on Thanksgiving. Jim spent a lot of time on the golf course, enjoying a hole-in-one in 1997. Jim also enjoyed several fishing trips, especially the trips to Cabo with his old high school buddies, Tom, Al, and Dick.
Jim is survived by his wife Sandy, sons Rick, Cedar Rapids, Tom (Tanja), Palo, daughters Karen (David) Huber, Marion, Jenny (Paul) Storer, Cedar Rapids; 12 grandchildren Brandon, Lindsay, Kelsey, Jenna, Nicholas, Emily, Jon, Joey, Michael, Kailyn, Leighton, Adilynn, and bonus granddaughter Andrea; 10 great grandchildren with one on the way, in addition to many nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Wilfrid and Ruth Struve, and his brother Roger Struve.
The family would like to thank Home Instead for the care provided for Jim in the home and Care Initiatives Hospice.
Memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to Coe College Biology Research Projects or to the Kirkwood Foundation.