James J. Houser, 1924-2006

The Gazette [Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA]

26 January 2006

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James J. Houser, 81, of Monticello, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006, in the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello, where friends may call from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Burial: Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

He is survived by his wife, Agnes; a stepdaughter, Barbara (Larry) Himes, Monticello; a half sister, Wilma Hoelscher, Fairdealing, Mo.; seven step grandchildren and 18 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gloria.

James J. Houser was born Feb. 24, 1924, in Numa, Iowa, the son of Frank and Velma Lawson Houser. He attended the Seymour Community Schools, where he graduated with the class of 1942. Jim went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the European Theater and was captured by the Germans. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic service. Jim attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls for two years after his military service. He later went to work at Jones DX in Cedar Falls and was employed there for 38 years. James Houser and Agnes Jensen were married April 22, 1967, in Preston, Minn. The couple lived in Cedar Falls until May 1993, when they moved to Monticello.