"Sorry for your loss, got to know Jim when I worked at the Coulter elevator, we always had a laugh or two I Always enjoyed talking to him, Rest in peace my freind! Dave and Peggi Meyer"
In loving memory of
James D. Staley
July 4, 1933 - October 10, 2016
James D. Staley, 83, of Hampton, passed away, Monday, October 10, 2016, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
He was born in Franklin County, Iowa, on July 4, 1933, to Glen Staley and Merna (Hamilton) Staley. Jim attended Country School in Franklin County, graduated from Hampton High School, then attended South Dakota State University where he wrestled, played football and ran track. Jim served his country in the United States Army. He was united in marriage on August 24, 1957, to Joyce Erks, daughter of William and Helen Erks. They were blessed with three children, two sons, Bill and Jeff and a daughter Jolynn. He managed the elevators in Rowan and Alexander. Upon moving to Spencer he worked as a farm manager for Doane Agriculture. Jim and Joyce farmed near Spencer for many years. Then in 1981 moved to a farm North of Bradford where he farmed until he retired.
Jim was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hampton. While living in Spencer, Jim was the President of the Spencer School Board and was very active in Lion's Club and the Moose Lodge. After relocating to Hampton, he was active in Lion's Club and Bradford Fire Department.
Jim enjoyed camping and trail riding with their horses when his children were younger. Jim was one of the original members of the Easter Seals Pony Express Ride for Camp Sunnyside. He loved helping his children raise livestock to exhibit at the County and State Fairs. Jim even spent time chaperoning the boys in the dorms at the Iowa State Fair. He was an avid Cyclone wrestling fan and enjoyed racing cars.
Jim is survived by his wife Joyce of Hampton, three children, Bill (Dawn) Staley of Alden, Jeff (Terri) Staley of Hampton and Jolynn (Jim) Reams of Polk City, grandchildren, Casey Staley of Hampton, Lance Staley of West Des Moines, Tyler Staley of Hampton, Travis (Chantal) Staley of Iowa Falls, Colby and Justin Reams both of Polk City and Shelly (James) Cory of Alleman. He has 5 great-grandchildren Brycen and Raycen Staley Iowa Falls and Brayden, Madelyn and Evan Cory of Alleman, brothers, Jerry (Faye), Darrell (Julie) of Ames and a sister Judy McVeigh of Colorado as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"My condolences to all of the family. Love to all, Staley's were very special people for me. Thank you Jeff for letting me know your sad news. I remember you boys helping with the sheep that had to be de-tailed, some of the de-tails ended up in pockets which your mother didn't appreciate.."
"Joyce and family. So sorry for your loss. Such fond memories of Jim with the Bradford FD as I was on Hampton FD. Also with the Hampton Lions, as both of us together had over 60 years perfect attendance, You all our in our prayers"
"We are so saddened to hear of Jim's death. I wish we were closer so we could be there to share in the celebration of Jim's life. Miles and miles have separated us over the years, but there was a time when we were close ... and those are the memories I'll keep in my heart. God bless you all at this most difficult time ... and know that thoughts, prayers and love are coming your way from Texas. "
"Ben and I send our heartfelt sympathies. Ben has so many great memories of their conversations and good times every morning at the Bradford Cafe and really missed them when the Cafe closed. Jim will be missed by all those whose lives he blessed!"