Barnhart, James Curtis

James Curtis Barnhart, 81, of West Branch, passed away the evening of Friday, Dec. 24, 2010, at Mercy Hospice, Iowa City. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the Springdale United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ruth Blayer officiating. Burial will be in the West Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch.

 Jim was born May 23, 1929, in Iowa City, the son of James Curtis and Ethel (Fielman) Barnhart. Jim graduated from Springdale High School in 1947 and attended Iowa State College (now ISU). He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. Jim and Rhoda Schnittjer (Delhi/Mount Vernon), were united in marriage at the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church on June 14, 1958.

 Jim's life revolved around farming and family. He grew up on a family farm, and actively farmed from 1954-1985. For the next 10 years he was employed at the Hoover Presidential Library. Jim was a lifelong member of Springdale United Methodist Church, where he served on the Trustees and various committees, was a long time Farm Bureau member, where he served on the board, a 4-H leader, and a member of the West Branch American Legion Post 514 and Wapsinonoc Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Rhoda; sons, Bruce (Shelley) Barnhart of West Branch and Steve (Meg) Barnhart of Lake Forest, Ill.; daughter, Diane (Russell) Heick of West Branch; and grandchildren, Molly, Jamie, Jacob, Phil, Doug and Lucy Barnhart and Eric and Carl Heick. He is also survived by a brother, Don (Ardis) Barnhart.

Jim spent the last week of his life in the wonderful care of Hospice at Mercy Hospital with family at his side.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents; brothers, Ivan (Polly) and Harold (Meredith); and several aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Springdale United Methodist Church “Future Focused Fund,” Mercy Hospice or Iowa City Hospice.