Jim Ambrose

Jim Ambrose, the son of Gail and Mildred (Churchill) Ambrose, was born February 11, 1952 in Jefferson, Iowa and departed this life October 17, 2016 at the University of Omaha Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He lived his life to the age of 64 years, 8 months and 6 days.

Jim attended school in Scranton and graduated from Scranton High School in 1970. He entered the U.S. Army in 1970 and served as a veterinary technician until his honorable discharge in 1973. On January 19, 1974, Jim was united in marriage to Mary Downs at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan. A daughter, Angela, was born to this union. Jim and Mary made their home in Churdan and Jim worked for NAPA Motor Parts in Jefferson and later for Goodrich Airspace at Carroll. Jim retired in 2010 after he had an accident in which he broke his leg.

Jim loved the outdoors, fishing, scuba diving and making his yard look good. As yard work got harder for him due to his health, he had to have help. He loved all of his nieces and nephews. Jim and his brother, Mark, were always looking for treasures. He loved his family dearly as well as his little dogs, Molly and Maggie.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Angela (Jeremy) Bane of Jefferson; two brothers, Richard (Kathy) Ambrose of Des Moines and Mark Ambrose of Jefferson; sister, Gail Ann (Dennis) Blum of Jefferson; and sister-in-law, Beth Downs (Becky Armstrong). Those who preceded him in death were his parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Rita Downs.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held Saturday, October 22, 2016 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Burial was made in Highland Cemetery in Churdan. Musical selections were sung by the church choir and accompanied by organist, Lois Last. Serving as casket bearers were Justin Downs, Cory Downs, Jack Heisterkamp, Tony Happe, Tyler Armstrong and Travis Armstrong. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Kevin Pietig, Randy Pietig, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Michael Scott, Dwight Marshall and John Kavanaugh.

Assisting the family, Brown Funeral Home, Churdan.