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James F. Black, 88, of Alta died Thursday, July 18, 2024, at his home in Alta, with his loving family by his side.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, from 5-7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta with a Masonic service to follow at 7 p.m. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta with Vicar Mike Gaffey officiating. Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia is in charge of arrangements.
James Franklin Black, the son of Howard and Helen (Redmond) Black, was born Feb. 4, 1936, in Des Moines. He attended Audubon Community School and graduated in 1954. He then went off to college at University of Iowa. On June 22, 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Janice Louise Anderson at Oakhill Lutheran Church. To this union two children were born, Jill and Joan. The family moved to Alta in 1974.
Jim primarily sold insurance but he was a jack of all trades. After retiring from the insurance agency in 2001, he continued to work a variety of jobs until shortly before his passing. He delivered flowers for Hy-Vee, had candy vending machines, dressed up as Santa for Christmas gatherings, was a desk clerk at the Cherokee Inn. Jim was a 67-year Mason, and was a trustee for the lodge for the last three decades, Nokomis township clerk, and was a para legal.
Jim was an avid reader, enjoyed riding his bicycle and liked doing bicycle repairs. He enjoyed tinkering in the barn or garage and enjoyed having coffee (even though he was not a coffee drinker) with his buddies. He loved to do crossword puzzles.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents Howard and Helen; father and mother-in-law Ronald and Evelyn Anderson; and one brother Howard.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Janice; his two daughters: Jill (George) Gliko of Billings, Mont.; and Joan Black (Dee Wesbrook) of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Virgina (Kevin) Collins of Billings, Mont.; Rebecca (Raul) Ramos of Scappoose, Ore.; Dominic (Danielle) Gliko of Omaha, Neb.; Gary Black of Washington; Goshen Black of Iowa City; and Jenifer Finnerty (Kris) Wright of Iowa City; two great-grandchildren, Eva Louise Collins and Jorqito Finnerty. Also surviving are his brothers John (Bonnie) Black of Arizona; Neal (Connie) Black and Brian (Lorraine) Black both of Colorado; two sisters-in-law: Sharon (Larry) Clark of Carroll; and Sally (Larry) Bacher of Melrose; brother-in-law Ron Anderson of Des Moines; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
