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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Jim Fisher
JIM "PAPA" FISHER
Cedar Rapids
Jim "Papa" Fisher, 69, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family after a brief battle with brain cancer. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
James "Jim" Marsh Fisher was born in rural Illinois on Dec. 20, 1947, to Glen and Marian Fisher. His family moved to Springville and later Marion, where Jim was the first football captain of the newly formed Linn-Mar Lions football team.
Jim took his love of farming to work at Linn Co-op in Marion. His vibrant personality, empathetic way and inspiring leadership skills led him to become the general manager of Linn Co-op, from which he retired in 2007 after 41 years of service. He also proudly served as president of Cooperative Finance Association, a division of Farmland Industries, for 14 years.
Jim married Linda Bellach and to their union two daughters were born, Jodi and Jaramee. Jim and Linda later divorced, but remained dear friends. Jim found love again and married Traci Grussendorf in 2001. To this union Jim was blessed with another daughter, Jessica.
Traci and Jim enjoyed their grandkids, their RV and their dogs, Sophie and Zoe, in their retirement.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Traci; his daughters and their spouses, Jodi Fisher, Jaramee and Jeff Finn, and Jessica and Curt Goodwin; and his grandchildren, Walker Henley, Ashton Phillips and Maeli and Weston Finn. He also is survived by his sister, several dear nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Linda; and his siblings, Janice Leonard, Dorothy Kenney and John, Virgil, Terry and Dan Fisher.
Per Jim's request, there will be no funeral. Please join the family in a casual celebration of Jim's life next Sunday, Feb. 12, at the IBEW, 1211 Wiley Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, from 2 to 5 p.m. with Pastor Darren Whiting reflecting on Jim's wonderful life at 3 p.m.
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Doctors Howard, Smith and Monga at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Living Center East and UnityPoint Hospice and its director, Dr. James Bell.
Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Jim's memory.
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