James Conner

A service of remembrance was held for James Conner on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Gordon Moen officiating. The eulogy was given by Mark Conner. Congregational hymns sung were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Gary Haupert sang “In The Garden” accompanied by Keri Brooker. Pall bearers were Matthew Pittman, Christopher Conner, Douglas Whipple, Nicholas Rowley, Sean Stevenson and Matt Goetzman. Interment was at the Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson with Military Rites by Army Honor Guard, Jefferson V.F.W. Post #9599 and Floyd Brown American Legion Post #11 of Jefferson with “Taps” by Wayne Lautner.

James Oliver Conner, “Jim”, 90, died peacefully in his sleep on November 25, 2016 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa. He was born October 19, 1926 to Carney H. and Margaret (Greene) Conner in Glidden, Iowa. He attended Glidden High School. After graduating, Jim entered military service on March 15, 1945. He then served overseas from November 10, 1945 until October 17, 1946 with the Army Air Corp., first in the Philippines Islands and then Okinawa during World War II. He was honorably discharged December 4, 1946. Jim then attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in agronomy. Jim married Norma Joan Kline on June 4, 1948. Three children were born: Steve, Nancy and Jeff.

Jim began farming in the Glidden area in 1948. He then relocated his farming in 1959 to north of Jefferson. After Joan Conner’s passing, Jim married Lorene (Kruse) Simpson on July 27, 1974. He then became Dad to Lorene’s children: Jean, Jill, Joel, JoAn, Jeri, Jaye and Judy in addition to foreign exchange student, Anna Tegler of Sweden.

Jim was a member of the American Legion for the past 69 years. Jim also held many positions with Morningstar Lodge #159 of Jefferson. He served on many boards within community organizations.  Jim was a very passionate farmer. His farming first began with chickens, hogs and milk cows. Later he enjoyed building a Limousine cattle herd. Jim was also a private pilot. He built an airplane hangar and grass runway on his farm for his Cessna 172. He enjoyed flying very much especially while giving family and friends rides. Jim later enjoyed restoring many old tractors for his collection and a few tractors for others as well.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Norma Joan; brother, Doyle and sister, Betty.

Survivors include wife, Lorene of Jefferson; children: Steve Conner of Concordia, Kan., Nancy O’Rourke of Carroll, Jeff Conner (Robin) of Panora, Jean Thompson (Tom) of Postville, Iowa, Jill Lockey (Dick) of Janesville, Iowa, Joel Simpson of Edwardsville, Ill., JoAn Stevenson (Robert) of Decorah, Jeri Griffiths of Des Moines, Jaye Conner of Jefferson, and Judy Obermeier (Mark) of Edwardsville, Ill.; 29 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren; siblings: Shirley Clark of Independence, Iowa, Floyd Conner (Bev) of Mediapolis, Iowa, Lilian Draves (Russell) of Carroll, and Duane Conner (Joyce) of Glidden.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.