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James Corkery
JAMES M. CORKERY
Independence
James M. Corkery, 83, of Robins, formerly of Independence, died Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Emery Place Assisted Living and Memory Care in Robins.
James was born July 19, 1933, in Fayette, Iowa, the son of Harry and Anna (Riley) Corkery. He was raised in Fayette and graduated in 1951 from Fayette High School. After graduating from high school, he attended Upper Iowa University and received a teaching degree in 1955. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army until 1957. On June 6, 1959, James married the love of his life, Janis Jean Grafenberg, in Fayette. James taught for a short time in Rockford and St. Ansgar before taking a job in Independence, where he taught seventh-grade social studies until his retirement in 1995. He also coached middle school football, basketball and track. He always saw the potential of his students and athletes and helped them see that in themselves.
James spent many years raising and showing pigeons in his free time. He will always be remembered for how he loved his family, friends and life itself.
He is survived by his wife, Janis, Robins; three children, Brian (Julie) Corkery, Iowa City, Angie (Loren) Pink, Independence, and Deb, (Kevin) Bundy, Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Myrnie Corkery and Marilyn Larson; and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lowell, Eugene and John Corkery; two sisters, Margaret Cain and Lois Ann Corkery; and many relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with Father David Beckman presiding. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 4 p.m., a military service at 7 p.m. and a parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, and from 8 a.m. until services Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the James M. Corkery memorial fund at Security State Bank, 231 First St. E, Independence, IA 50644.
To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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