Serbousek, James Burton 'Jim'

James Burton “Jim” Serbousek, 83, of Coggon, formerly of Swisher, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Mercy Hallmar, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by the Rev. Jen Filter. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial: Anderson Cemetery, Swisher, with military honors by American Legion Post 671 of Swisher.

Survivors include his beloved wife and caregiver, Martha Ann Serbousek; his son, Larry (Sandra) Serbousek of Conroy; his daughter, Carol (Norm) Russell of Cedar Rapids; and two grandchildren, Mary Beth Russell and Nathan Russell (fiancee Lindsay Cirkl). Jim is also survived by his stepsons, Ron (Wendy) Light and Larry Light; a stepdaughter, Susan (Loren) Zumbach; his stepgrandchildren, Ron (Kristina) Light, Jeff Light, Jennifer (Matt) Tyson, Brett Zumbach, Chad Schulte and Brooke Schulte; his stepgreat-grandchildren, Emily, Kayla and Brielle Light, Luke Tyson and Addison Zumbach; and his brother, Dick (Lil) Serbousek of Swisher.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Rose Serbousek; his first wife, Mary Ann (Melenovsky) Serbousek; his stepson, Paul Light; his stepgrandson, Cameron Schulte; and his stepgreat-granddaughter, Olivia Tyson.

 James was born Nov. 28, 1926, the son of Wesley and Rose (Chytry) Serbousek, at home in Swisher, Iowa. For 54 years, he resided in Swisher, where he attended grade school and then later attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids in 1944. He was married to his beloved wife of 31 years, Mary Ann Melenovsky, on April 28, 1949. Jim and Mary Ann made their home in Swisher and had two children, Larry and Carol. Mary Ann passed away Oct. 13, 1980. He then married his beloved wife of 28 years, Martha Ann (Pesek) Light, on Nov. 1, 1981, and moved to Coggon.

 During World War II, Jim was inducted into the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., on March 19, 1945, and then was stationed as an Army Technical Sergeant in Japan. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim started his own automobile repair business, Serbousek Garage in Swisher. Later in 1956, he began to work at Square D and retired from Square D after 29 years in 1985. He worked as a process engineer when he retired.

 Jim was a proud and active member of American Legion Post 671 of Swisher for 64 years, serving as past commander. He served as mayor of Swisher from 1967 to 1972. During his term in office, the town park was purchased and started and the sewer plant was established. He also served as a member of the Swisher Town Council. Jim was a member of the board of directors of the Swisher Telephone Co. and served as treasurer of the Anderson Cemetery Board in Swisher for many years. He was a member of the Swisher Fire Department for most of his adult years when he resided in Swisher. Jim was a member of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Czech Heritage Foundation. He was a friend of the United Parish Church in Coggon.

Jim absolutely loved his Fords and Lincolns.

 We would like to thank Heather, Lynn, Kramer, Jodie, Angie, Becky, Tammy, Brook, Pam and Kristine of Mercy Hospice, the very kind staff at Mercy Hallmar and Dr. Glanzer.

 In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Jim at  under obituaries.