James Ellis Waldorf, 85, of Clinton, Iowa passed away at MercyOne Medical Center on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Funeral services take place at 12 pm on Friday, May 27, at Lemke Funeral Homes – South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Drive). A visitation occurs two hours prior from 10 am until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial immediately follows the funeral service at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.

James was born November 7, 1936 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of John and Blanche (McManus) Waldorf. James was a 1955 graduate of Clinton High School. Following high school, James enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 1, 1956 - with Basic Training taking place at Fort Chaffe, in western Arkansas. He met life-long buddies in the Army while stationed in Germany and time-off usually meant fun trips in Europe. He would often recall one such trip to Italy where eating Spaghetti correctly, no knife cutting, became a fun challenge. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life Lore Ellie Klose. They would be united in marriage on July 10, 1958 in Bad Kissingen, Germany – a union lasting 63 years.

Following his service to his country, he was employed with E. I. Dupont, Clinton, retiring in 1997 after 40 years. He was proud of his many years of service and following retirement, would often joke saying “I wonder if they are going to call me in for overtime today, Ellie.”

James loved his life and his many memories and valued all the friendships that he made along the way. Later in life, he often reminisced of his childhood, citing memories of his paper route in his old neighborhood on 3rd Street and fond memories of his mom, dad and brothers. He also spoke of his high school football career and his old cars, beginning jobs and his motorcycle.

He loved taking pictures and always had his camera handy to capture his family’s joyous occasions. He kept meticulous records of such events in dedicated family albums. He also enjoyed collecting coins and loved trains. He was very proud of his wife’s German roots and went to great lengths to keep in touch with her family – keeping her heritage alive.

James was a wonderful father and took great pride taking care of his wife, his daughters and grandchildren. He loved spending time in his yard ensuring that the lawn looked immaculate. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

James’ greatest joy and comfort was knowing, through his love and honest hard work, his family would always be taken care of. He was incredibly proud of his family and his legacy.

James is survived by his wife – Lore Ellie Waldorf of Clinton; two daughters – Linda Lee (David Montgomery) Waldorf and Lore Margaret Chase of LaMarque, TX; grandchildren – Alyson Eagan and Kyle Eagan both of Clinton, Madison Rush of Iowa City, Danielle (Christian) Sandoval of Kyle, TX and Racheal Chase of LaMarque, TX; two great-grandchildren – Sienna Sandoval and Ian Sandoval both of Kyle, TX; two brothers – Jack (Pat) Waldorf of Peosta, IA and Tom (Nan) Waldorf of Clinton; with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son – John Allen and two brothers – Richard and Gene.

Memorials made can be directed to the wishes of the family.

James Waldorf had a wonderful, well rounded and joy filled life. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him held him in great regard with the repeated sentiment – “he was a kind, dependable, fun, selfless and loving man”.
- Rest in Peace James Waldorf