James “Jim” Walter Lenger of Bussey passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 76.
December 23, 1944 he was born to Albert and Kathryn (Flahive) Lenger in their farm home east of Hamilton. He grew up and attended school first at Hamilton and later at Lovilia.
On October 11, 1969, Jim and Nancy Chance were married at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Weller, Iowa. Before he passed, they shared 51 years of marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Jeff and Kevin.
Jim had a duel career: 30 years of various positions at Maytag in Newton, Iowa and all his adult years farming.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lovilia and a member of the Albia Knights of Columbus.
His enjoyments were: the outdoors, farming, gator riding, the company of his dog (Blade), Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, and attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren (Jacob, Josh, and Aydan), Also, he leaves two sisters: Theresa Lenger, and Marge Comer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Pauline Conway; and five brothers: John, Ed, Daniel, David, and Joseph Lenger.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 2-8 p.m. at Tharp’s Funeral Home in Albia with family present from 5-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia, with Father Mark Yates C.P.P.S officiating. Burial will follow services at Osborn Cemetery in Monroe County.
Memorials have been established to Autism Speaks and the National Kidney Foundation.
May he rest in peace.