"Dear Ann and all the Maher and Leahy families, My deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find comfort and peace from the prayers being sent to your way. "
In loving memory of
James L. Maher
April 9, 2011
The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the church, followed by visitation with the family.
James Lowell Maher, son of Joseph Edward and Norma Irene (Holmes) Maher, was born on August 7, 1945 in Huntington Park, California. He entered into rest on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the family farm northwest of Essex, Iowa at the age of 65.
At an early age Jim moved with his parents from California to the family farm at Essex. Jim began school at the Pierce Center country school at the age of five. He started his 8th grade year in the Essex Community School system, where he graduated with the Class of 1963.
Upon graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1963 and honorably served until his discharge in 1966. Following his discharge from the Navy he returned to Essex.
On November 16, 1968, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ann Leahy at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa. Following their marriage they resided in Essex. To this union four children were born, Kathleen, Patrick, Shannon and Sarah.
In 1969, Jim went into partnership with his father and began farming part-time. In addition to this, he worked various carpentry jobs until taking a job with Eaton Corporation in Shenandoah in 1972. After 37 years with Eaton's, Jim retired in February of 2009. He continued to farm until the time of his death.
Jim enjoyed farming, hand fishing, playing cards and socializing with his friends. He was known as "Mr. Fix It", was a Chicago Cubs baseball fan and liked to watch his "stories", a. k. a. the "Bold and the Beautiful" and the "Young and the Restless". Jim was also quite an avid prankster with friends and especially his family.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents and mother and father-in-law, Alice and Edward Leahy. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ann Maher of Essex, IA; their four children, Kathleen Sgourakis and her husband Gus of Omaha, NE, Pat Maher of Omaha, NE, Shannon Dorton and her husband Steve of Chicago, IL, and Sarah Maher of Omaha, NE; two granddaughters, Maeve and Brynna Sgourakis, very soon to be, baby Dorton; sister and brother-in-laws, Mary Leahy of Shenandoah, IA, Tom Leahy of Imogene, IA, Frank Leahy and wife Shirley of Malvern, IA, Rev. William P. Leahy, S. J. of Boston, MA, Bob Leahy and wife Colleen of Omaha, NE and Ellen Leahy Brookover and husband Mike of Omaha, NE; other relatives and a host of friends.
Tributes
"Dear Anne, Kathleen, Pat, Shannon, and Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Sending you heartfelt hugs and comforting thoughts. I know your faith will make you stronger during this difficult time and that you'll cherish the memories you made of all your time together. Thinking of you, Amy "
"There are no right words at such a sad time. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. May you find comfort in family and friends now and in the future. "
"I worked at the Essex Golf Club and I hadn't known Jim for very long but he was always very nice to me and I wanted to say that my thoughts & prayers are with the family in their time of need."
"I was so very sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Ann and family, We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have fond memories from 4-H and elsewhere of how proud he was of Kathleen, Pat, Shannon, and Sarah. Peace to his memory, and our love and prayers to all of you. Amy, Nelson, and Peter Hastings"
"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I will be in Iowa over the weekend and will try to make it to the service. God be with you and your family during this time. All our love.....Angie and Terry Wynn"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I can still see Jim walking to the post office in his cut offs with his dog following not far behind. Seeing this picture of a man and his beloved dog always made me smile."
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" May Almighty God of Tender Mercies Comfort the Maher Family (2Co.1:3,4), When the last enemy Strikes grief may be great And make the heart Yearn for Comfort, Almighty God gives HOPE And PROMISE At (JOHN 5:28, ACTS 24:15, And REVELATION 21:4) Almighty God HOPE And PROMISE SOON TO BE ATTAIN, May these thoughts be of some Comfort. gingerrobinson@bellsouth.net "
"Prayers are with u and ur family."
"Dear Ann, Kathleen, Pat, Shannon and Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for your family daily that He will give you the strength to get through this. I remember spending many nights at your house and your dad always had a smile and a laugh. I know you will miss him dearly. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Nancy"
"Please know that your entire family is in my prayers. I did not know your son, but I was a military spouse for almost 20 years, and a military sister.....I know the fear that comes with a family member being called to duty. Nothing I can do or say with make it better..... Please accept my heartfelt and sincerest sympathy."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Maher family, extended family and friends."
"I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"Dear Katie and family: So sorry to hear about your dad today. No amount of words can ever make up for this or provide comfort. May angels guide him into heaven and may he be at peace. God Bless Stacy"
"I pray that God will hold your family tight and give you strength. God Bless you all. "
"Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you Ann and your family. We hope the thoughts and prayers of all your friends give you comfort during this difficult time. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. We send you our love. Tommy and Judy Graham "
"Maher Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories and the love and support to get through this awful time. "
"Ann and Family, My deepest sympathies are being sent to you all. How very sad to hear the news of Jim passing. He was always so quiet and seemed to be so peaceful (maybe somewhat shy) but such a good friend, from our childhood when our parents got together all the time and then going to Essex High School with him. One thing I always thought was so special was his great big smile. No one knows what life puts before us, but I pray that you find peace and comfort trusting in the Lord as he walks beside you in this time of your life. God Bless Trudy and Denny McNulty "
"Jim was a good friend. I have many fond memories of trips to his farm, working with Jim and Pat on the cows. My prayers are with Jim and his wonderful family. God Bless you all. Sincerely, John Brady "
"Ann and Family, My sincere sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are continually with you. Sherry Hambsch"
"Condolences to the family-especially to my friend and co-worker Kathleen. So sorry for the unexpected loss of your dad. Sincere sympathy to all! "
"Ann and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words but hopefully you can find some sort of comfort knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"We are both deeply saddened by your loss. All of you are in thoughts and prayers. "
"So sorry to hear about your loss.Jim was a good friend and will be missed."
"My deepest condolences and sympathy to the Maher family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have lost a friend."
"My Family sends our Sincere Sympathy to your family in this time of your loss, you will always be in our thoughts and Prayers. I worked with Jim at Eatons and he was always so helpful in teaching me to be a Machine Operator. I was sad to hear of his passing. My Prayers of Strength are sent your way. Lorrie&Jason Chambers"
"So sorry to hear about your loss. Our family is thinking of you at this difficult time."
"There are no word in a time like this but want to say sorry for your loss and your family is in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time..."