Seifert, James Francis

James Francis Seifert died Friday, July 29, 2011, after living a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment.

He was born in Oakes, N.D., and he and his wife, Nancy were proud graduates of the University of North Dakota. In 1953, after a two-year stint in the Air Force, Jim and Nancy left Idaho and traveled to Washington, Iowa. In partnership with his brother Bill, they built a group of women's specialty stores, called Seiferts. In 1958, they opened their fifth Seifert's store in downtown Cedar Rapids, eventually growing the chain to 252 locations. In retirement, Jim and Nancy spent winters in Boca Grande, Fla., and summers in Park Rapids, Minn.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy; as well as their three children, daughter, Kathy and her husband, Mike and their children, Matt, Tim, Patrick and Sarah, son, Jim and his wife, Jona and their children, Jae, Paul and Anne, and son, John and his fiancee, Lisa Keeter, and John's three children, Becca, Sierra and Nicole and their mother, Sarah Seifert.

Jim will be remembered as a man who lived every day with great passion and joy. Whenever he said goodbye to friends or family, he would always end with a little wave and then, “Love you guys!” He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and an amazing grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the God's Child Project, P.O. Box 1573, Bismarck, ND 58502, an organization which helps children and families in Guatemala; St. Joseph's Hospice, 323 S. Main Ave., Park Rapids, MN 56470; or a charity of choice.

A Memorial Mass and celebration of Jim's life will be held in Cedar Rapids in October and in Boca Grande in November.