James A. Hart

James Allan Hart was born September 10, 1932, in Eagleville, Missouri, the son of James and Grace Hart. He passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of eighty-five.
James began farming following his graduation in 1949 from Dunlap High School in Dunlap, Iowa. On July 5, 1951, James was united in marriage to Lois Jessen at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa, officiated by Rev. C.W. Schmidt. He was baptized in Christ December 19, 1954, and confirmed his faith Christmas Day 1954, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. In 1957, James began a thirty-five-year career as an inspector with the Iowa Department of Transportation, retiring in August of 1992.
Always the consummate family man, James enjoyed many hobbies, all of which included his adoring family. He was a skilled woodworker and lovingly crafted many heirlooms for his children and grandchildren. James’ first love was his wife Lois; they traveled extensively exploring every corner of the United States. For a time they delivered motor homes together enjoying America and each other’s company. James loved dancing, he and Lois spent many weekends at country and polka dances with their friends. Although, his favorite dance venue was the dining room. There he could be found on many afternoons with the music turned up teaching his granddaughters to dance. He also cherished his quiet time and was never too far from a good book or a deck of cards. Almost every evening after the supper dishes were cleared him and Lois brought out the Cribbage board and talked over the day’s events. James’ roots were in the soil, and although life took him in other directions he always considered himself a farmer. He looked forward to operating the tractor and grain cart each fall helping his son-in-law and grandsons bring in the harvest. Closer to home, James and Lois shared a passion for gardening. They spent many warm summer days together tending to the flowers and vegetables and sharing their bounty with family and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, James Tyler, and a sister, Lena Joy. Survivors include: his wife, Lois; four daughters: Patricia and her husband, David, Rebecca and her husband, Dean, Kimberly and her husband, Joel, and Peggy and her husband, Tom; and one son, James Craig and his wife, Karen; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Roger and his wife, Sunyung; two sisters, Lora and her husband, Pat, and Michaela and her husband, Tom; other relatives and friends.