James R. Conn, 80, of Lewis, IA, died Friday, January 29, 2021, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic. Jim was born February 11, 1940, in Atlantic, the son of George H. and Maxine Ellen (Taylor) Conn. A lifelong resident of Lewis, he graduated from Lewis High School in 1957. He began his career with the Highway Commission (Iowa D.O.T.) after high school, working in the materials division for 43 years. He also served in the Army Reserves for several years.
Jim married Janice Marie Christensen on October 20, 1963, in Audubon, Iowa. To this union were born two children, Joel Rollin and Janine Kaye. After Janice died in 1989, he married Sheri Jo Euken Andersen on February 28, 1998, in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
Jim was a man who loved the Lord and served him gladly. A lifelong member of the Lewis Church of Christ, he served as an elder, trustee, treasurer and Sunday School teacher. He was dedicated to his community and served in many capacities. He was a member of the Lewis Fire Department for over 55 years, serving as Fire Chief and treasurer; he was a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa for 50 plus years; served on the Lewis City Council and Cemetery board. He was on the board of directors for Iowa Christian College and Christian Evangelistic Mission (C.E.M.). He was actively involved in the Atlantic Lions Club, receiving many awards for his dedication and service. For over 40 years, he welcomed people to Lewis with the announcements on the Lewis marquee. He was also a committed blood donor for the Red Cross, having donated over 30 gallons.
After retiring from the D.O.T. Jim wanted to stay busy so he worked several part-time jobs for Nabisco, Crystal Clear, Ed’s Lawn Equipment, and delivered flowers for Hy-Vee on Valentine’s Day for many years.
Jim loved spending time with his family and traveling, having been to 49 of the 50 states. He enjoyed participating in tractor rides and collecting John Deere and Phillips 66 memorabilia.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife Sheri; children, Joel (Cindy) Conn of Pleasant Hill, Janine (Kirk) Sunderman of Davenport, Shelly (Chris) Harden of Grimes and Steve (Sue) Andersen of Atlantic; grandchildren, Allyson (Todd) Drake of Waukee, Skylar Conn of Indianapolis, Hannah (Nick) Voss of Ankeny, Andrew Sunderman of Ames, Emma Sunderman of Davenport, Avery Andersen of Ames, and Paige Harden of Grimes; siblings Burton (Karen) Conn of Atlantic and Barry (fiance’ Deb Berkheimer) of Trilla, Illinois; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and first wife Janice.
Memorials may be given to the family to be distributed to the Lewis Fire Department/ First Responders, Christian Evangelistic Mission, and the Lions Club International.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.
A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Lewis, Iowa.
Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
