Obituary of Lyle Edward James

Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret; three sons, Brian (Jody) of Monticello and grandchildren, Cameron, Dylan, and Mariah; Chris (Lisa) of Iowa City, and grandchildren Alec and Shannon; and Nick (Karen) of Lodi, Wisconsin, and grandson, Bryce; sister Marilynn (Dave) Etzel of Marion, sister-in-law Ann (William) Aitchison of Monticello, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father in law, Bernell Schwirtz and mother in law, Clara Andreesen Schwirtz. Lyle touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Lyle E. James was born August 7, 1939, in Linn County, the son of Elmer and Doris Holcomb James. Lyle graduated from Martelle High School in 1957. On August 9, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Schwirtz, in Anamosa. Lyle attended the University of Iowa, St. Ambrose, and Blackhawk Community College. Lyle had a successful career in the financial and banking industry for thirty years in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Anamosa, and Marion. He also sold real estate and owned a sporting goods store in Decorah, Iowa. He earned great respect from his clients and customers, and was known for his friendliness, trustworthiness and honesty. He made everyone he came in contact with feel important and special. He was a great listener. He will be remembered for his friendly disposition and ability to put people at ease and make them laugh with his sense of humor. Lyle was an accomplished trumpet player and vocalist. He played in the Cornell College band in seventh grade and the Coe College Orchestra. He sang at many community functions, and his talent graced events and church services throughout his life. Lyle was an avid outdoor sportsman and his greatest joy was teaching his three sons the skills of hunting and fishing. He was so patient and placed his full attention on sharing everything he knew with his sons. His appreciation for nature and wildlife will live on in them. His boys and grandchildren have wonderful memories of fishing and being out on the water. He loved attending activities involving his six grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. Lyle was very active in a number of community organizations, and enjoyed the camaraderie of his many friends. He loved Hawkeye sports and traveled to several bowl games to cheer on the Hawkeye's. Lyle was a man of strong faith, and a devoted family man. As a father, he was exceptionally proud of his three sons. There was nothing in life more gratifying for him than seeing them grow up and become successful in their careers, and devoted to their families. Special thanks goes out to his long-time physician, Dr. Ersin Atay and the staff at Cardiologists, PC, Dr Weston and his staff, the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, the staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Above and Beyond Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care and Rev. Margaret Debner for her pastoral care. Lyle E. James, 68, died Wednesday, August 8, 2007 in his home in Monticello, Iowa, of congestive heart failure. Visitation will be 3 - 7 PM on Sunday, August 12, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. Services will be held Monday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m., St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Monticello. Officiating will be Rev. Margaret Debner. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery immediately following the services.