James C. Kurtz, 83, of Clinton, Iowa passed away at home on Monday, May 13, 2019. Funeral services will take place at 1 pm on Saturday, May 18, at Lemke Funeral Homes – South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Dr.). A visitation will occur 2 hours prior from 11 am until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial takes place at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.

James was born June 17, 1935 in Clinton, Iowa the son of Leo William and Virginia May (Frey) Kurtz. He attended Welton High School, however in 1952, at age 17, he joined the United States Marines Corps where he acquired a GED and was a veteran of the Korean War.

James was united in marriage to Eleanor Griep on September 23, 1962 at the First Congregational Church, DeWitt, Iowa.

James worked at H & W Motor Express where he was a truck driver and later a manager/driver for 30 years. James was a member of the First Congregational Church, Clinton, for 50 years. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion, a member of the Teamster Union and a life-time member of the NRA.

James loved the outdoors, especially hunting and enjoyed getting out on his 4-wheeler on his farm. He also loved hunting with his son and grandsons. Above all, he loved his family very much and will be sadly missed.

James is survived by his wife Eleanor of 56 years; three children – Vickie Jacobsen of Anamosa, IA, Brenda (Erik) Sjoblom of State Center, IA and Kevin (Bridget) Kurtz of Clinton; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and two brothers – Dick and Bill both of DeWitt.

Preceding James in death were his parents and one brother.

Memorials made can be directed to the family.