Mr. James “Jim” Lee Laugel Hawes, age 78, of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Allen Place in Atlantic, IA.
James Lee Laugel Hawes went home to be with Jesus on April 19, 2024. Jim was born on April 28th, 1945 in Oakland, California, to Leroy Earl and Audrey Elizabeth (Laugel) Hawes. He attended Atlantic High School, graduating with the class of 1963. His passion for serving others led him to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Nebraska Methodist Hospital in 1969. From 1969-1973, Jim served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Nurses Corps. Jim graduated with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Minneapolis School of Anesthesia, and he began his lifelong career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He worked at several hospitals across the country: North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota; WNC Anesthesiology Associations P.A. in Asheville, North Carolina; McDowell Hospital in Marion, North Carolina; Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa; and Jenny Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Jim married Susan Anne (Cooper) Hawes in Minneapolis in 1973. They enjoyed traveling and spending time on their acreage with their horses, dogs, and cats. Jim was a devoted Roman Catholic and loved God and his only begotten son, Jesus, above all things. He enjoyed attending Latin Mass and making rosaries for his friends and family. Jim loved his family, friends, and pets. His relentless optimism, kindness, and sense of humor will be forever cherished.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and wife of 33 years. His life will be celebrated by his sister, Joan (Brad) Kunze of Lewis, Iowa; his brother, Robert Hawes of Des Moines, Iowa; and his niece and nephews, Natalia Kunze of Griswold, Iowa; Benjamin Kunze of Atlantic, Iowa; Robert Kunze of Lewis, Iowa; and Michael Kunze of Lewis, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, Iowa, with Fr. Trevor Chicoine as the Celebrant. Interment will follow Mass at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, Iowa.
