Washburn, James 'Jim' R.

SOLON - James “Jim” R. Washburn, 74, of Solon, died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, in his home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, with Father Jim Vrba officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel in Solon, where there will be a 7 p.m. parish vigil.

Jim was born June 26, 1936, in Des Moines, the son of James and Gladys (Mayland) Washburn., He married Bonnie Keith on Feb. 14, 1963, in Iowa City. He served in the United States Army. Jim worked for the Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Co. (MidAmerican Energy) in Iowa City for over 34 years as a meter reader until retiring in 1995. He was also a part time city clerk in Solon for 10 years. Jim was a member of the Solon American Legion, as well as St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Jim had a genuine love of sports, sports trivia, NASCAR, and country music. He especially enjoyed college and pro-football season making his team picks with his son, Jim, and watching the Hawkeyes, Iowa women's basketball and the Solon Spartans. He loved spending time with his daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Jerry, and watching his granddaughters participate in their school sports and activities. He was a proud Dad and Grandpa. He treasured the time with his loving wife, Bonnie, as they traveled and attended country and western music events together.

Jim's warm smile, kind heart and generous nature will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Lisa (Jerry) Kramer of Solon and Jim Washburn of North Liberty; three grandchildren, Lindsey, Karly and Hannah; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Washburn of Sturbridge, Mass.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard; and his parents.

Memorials may be directed to either Iowa City Hospice or St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at