"i was a classmate of Jim's and we were both in printing class together. Larry Weiland and myself found where Jim was living in Ames and both of us went to visit Jim about six month ago. We had a great time with Jim and he recalled a lot about our high school days together. I always consider Jim as the smarted in the class. Glad to have known Jim! "
In loving memory of
James Russell Strand
September 19, 1936 - September 5, 2020
James R. Strand, 83, of Ames, Iowa, died peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Accura Healthcare of Ames.
Graveside memorial services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Ames Municipal Cemetery. Pastor Kerrin Kirkpatrick will officiate. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.
James Russell Strand was born September 19, 1936, in Iowa, the son of Oscar and Gunhild (Samuelson) Strand. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, then returned to Iowa where he was united in marriage to Ellen Sue Fredriksen in May of 1964.
The couple made their home in Johnston and was blessed with a daughter, Virginia, and a son, Paul. Jimmy worked many years as a printer for Garner Publishing in Des Moines. He retired in 2003. He also wrote a family-interest column for the Urbandale News for many years.
Jimmy was a kind man with a gentle and giving spirit. He was a faithful member of the Ames First United Methodist Church, where in earlier years he taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. He also participated in Lions Club, volunteered as a Pocket Clown, sang in the Songbirds Senior Choir, and enjoyed morning coffee at McDonald's.
Survivors include his daughter, Virginia Heard and Paul Strand, both of Des Moines; and two grandsons, Theodore Strand of Panora, and Tyler Strand of Des Moines.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellen; and his parents.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Jimmy and his family.
Tributes
"I was Jim?s mail carrier for several years at the apartment house, what a gentle man, many times I would see him and was happy to be able to set up a safer way to receive his mail, I just looked on my calendar and was thinking I needed to get a birthday card ready for next week, I know he will be thrilled to be celebrating this year w his beloved Ellen. My thoughts to his family, earth is a bit dimmer now. "
"I was Jim?s mail carrier for several years at the apartment house, what a gentle man, many times I would see him and was happy to be able to set up a safer way to receive his mail, I just looked on my calendar and was thinking I needed to get a birthday card ready for next week, I know he will be thrilled to be celebrating this year w his beloved Ellen. My thoughts to his family, earth is a bit dimmer now. "
"I never met Jim, but I know his son, Paul. Paul has taken after his father for he also is kind gentle & industrious. Paul also loves to sing...at the top of his lungs...every morning in the shower. Mary & I love Jim's son & are so pleased to share our home with Paul. Rev. Fred & Mary Lehman of Des Moines"
"I knew Jim from Accura Nursing Home ok From Missy Wierson"
"I enjoyed talking to Jim at church and sitting in front him at choir. Such a sweet man. He will be missed. "
"I knew Jim through church and singing in the choir with him. A kind and gentle man! I send prayers for your loss and for healing in the days ahead. "