James Ralph (J. R.) McDermott
April 6, 2007

James Ralph (J. R.) McDermott, son of Ralph Henry and Edith Gertrude (Johnson) McDermott, was born on February 9, 1922, in Locust Grove Township in Fremont County, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, April 6, 2007, at the age of 85 at the Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.
James grew up in rural Fremont County where he attended various country schools. He attended St. Patrick's Academy in Imogene and the Shenandoah Public Schools before graduating from Farragut High School in 1940. Following graduation he worked as a farmhand. On October 13, 1942, James enlisted in the Army. He was an MP and served with the 342nd MPEG Company where he earned four bronze stars. He was honorably discharged from the Army on December 4, 1945. Upon his return home from the war James went into farming with his brother Ernest and also worked part-time as a substitute rural route mail carrier out of Imogene. In the early 1970's he went to work for Farmland Coop and from there went to work for Eaton Transmission Company until his retirement. James was married to Janet Ellis and they made their home in Shenandoah. They were later divorced in 1989. James was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah and a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1943, having obtained Fourth Degree Knight. He was a member of the V. F. W. He enjoyed being with family and attending family picnics. He loved visiting with all the nieces and nephews when possible. His main interest was playing cards with his friends and also solitaire.

Preceding James in death were his parents; brother, Ernest McDermott; three brother-in-laws, George Dinville, Tom Perkins and Dale King. Survivors include his four sisters, Lucille King of Humboldt, NE, Madalene Perkins of Tabor, IA, Irma Dinville of Randolph, IA and Carol Catus of Ames, IA; numerous loving nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial services were held on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was Rev. Vern Smith. Altar server was Hanna Fursa. Lector was Richard Haigwood. Vocalist was Fred Strunk and organist was Mary Beth Gowing. Attending the memory register was Gloria Mauer. Caring for the flowers were Cindy Green and Ann Maher. Usher was Mike Lonowski. Honorary casket bearers were the members of the Knights of Columbus. Casket bearers were Stacey Perkins, John Perkins, Steve Dinville, Tom Dinville, Don Catus and Tom Catus. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Imogene. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials are being directed to either the Garden View Care Center or to the Alzheimer's Association.

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