"Dear Carol, Shirley, and Janet I want to extend my sympathy to all of you and your families on the death of Jim. I have many delightful memories of Jim and Dorothy and your family when we were neighbors on Timea Street in Keokuk in the 40's. What a fun and loving family you made. I remember taking Carol to kindergarten at jefferson on the first day for her. Again, my most sincere sympathy to all of you. Carol Coulter "
In loving memory of
James "Jim" Oliver
February 6, 2010
James "Jim" C. Oliver, 91, of Keokuk, passed away peacefully at 11:14 PM, Saturday, February 6, 2010 at River Hills in Keokuk.
Jim was born on July 11, 1918 in Summitville, Iowa, the son of James C. and Gertrude McLean Oliver. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Gambrel on March 25, 1939 in Kahoka, Missouri and they shared fifty-six wonderful years together. She preceded him in death on April 8, 1995.
He graduated from Keokuk Senior High School in 1935 and worked at KKK Medicine Company before retiring from the U.S. Postal Service in 1980 after twenty five years of service. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Radarman Third Class during World War II.
Jim was a member of the First Christian Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed being outdoors and was most comfortable on his riding lawn mower. He was very adept in the art of woodworking and loved sharing his projects with his family.
He is survived by three daughters: Carol Hartrick and her husband Bob of Keokuk, Iowa; Shirley Hewitt and her husband Jack of Santa Rosa, California; Janet Toensing and her husband Donald of Overland Park, Kansas; Two grandchildren, Doug Hartrick and his wife DeAnn of Keokuk, Iowa; Shane Boltz and her husband Kevin of Keokuk, Iowa; Five great-grandchildren: Austin, Alyson and Andrew Hartrick; Logan and Lakyn Boltz all of Keokuk, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and two sisters.
His daughters would like to acknowledge the "family" in the Rose Garden at River Hills who cared for him so lovingly during his stay.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Keokuk, Alzheimer's Association or the Rose Garden at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.
Funeral service were Thursday, February 11, 2010 at DeJong's Funeral Home in Keokuk with Rev. William Mitchell officiating. Burial followed at Keokuk National Cemetery with full military rites.
Tributes
"Carol,Jan and Shirley, just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your Dad, he was a really great person and I sure enjoyed the time I got to spend with him at Mom's for Easter and Thanksgiving and at Carol's for all other holiday's and birthdays. I so sorry I couldn't be their with you last night but had to work and couldn't get off. My Thoughts and Prayers were with you all and will be with you again today. Once again I am so sorry and I love you all."
"Dear Girls: The girls and Jake from the Rose Garden want to tell you all how much Jim and you meant to us. The place is not the same without you. You girls could go on your trips,but we always had Jim. Lunch is not the same. God Bless each and everyone one of you. Kim,Rose,Paula,,Jake and Luann."
"Carol-am in AZ and just read your Dad's obit-so I send my love to you and Bob-so sorry about your loss-these times always make me think about my Dad. Love to you both GARY WEST"
"I am sorry about your father. He will be greatly missed and so will you all. He meant alot and so did you all. Stay in touch. God bless each and everyone of you. "
"We would like to extend our sympathy to all of the family in your loss. Janet, I have memories of times spent at your house during our teen years and talking with your Dad. I'm sure he was probably counting the minutes until we were all going home....Hold your precious memories of your dad always near and please know that our thoughts are with you and Donald. Shane, Kevin,Logan and Lakyn, We are sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Please know that our thoughts are with all of you. Frank & Joyce Protsman"
"Shirley and Jack, we were so sorry to hear about Shirley's father and sorry that you two are going through so many trials right now. We hold you safe in our hearts at this time of sadness. Phyllis and Dean Walker"
"Ah,hh, Shirley, wish I could give you a big hug now and tell you how sad I am for you. Please know that I am holding you, and your family, warmly in my thoughts."
"Carol, Shirley and Janet, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your dad. I have photos from the few years when we lived in the apartment in your house and remember all of you fondly. Sincerely, Debby"
"Dear Carol, Shirley, Janet and families, I'm so sorry for the loss you are feeling now...Uncle Jimmy was a wonderful man, husband and father. I'll always remember him with his contagious smile, sense of humor and easy going personality. I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you all at this moment and praying you'll be comforted during these difficult days. love, Cheryl "