James Glynn

JAMES J. GLYNN

Cedar Rapids

James J. Glynn, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation also will be held at St. Jude's from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11.

Jim was born July 1, 1932, in Dubuque, the son of James and Clara (Specht) Glynn. His family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1942. He graduated from St. Patrick's School in 1950 and attended Coe College until joining the Air Force on Dec. 1, 1951. In 1954, Jim began his career at Collins Radio. He traveled extensively, especially to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, where he worked on the installation and support of the communications equipment aboard Air Force One. He retired from Collins Radio after 34 years.

Jim assisted with the development of St. Jude Parish and LaSalle High School. He was a church lector, choir member, funeral assistant and Boy Scout leader. In addition to serving as a chairman of the St. Jude's Sweet Corn Festival, he gained the reputation as being "The Voice" of the festival during his years behind the microphone as chairman of the information trailer.

A longtime member of the SAPADAPASO (St. Patrick's Day Parade Society), Jim twice was president, and for many years served as treasurer. Portraying St. Patrick, he also led the parade down the avenue for 18 years.

He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus (serving one term as Grand Knight), the America Legion Post PEKOMY 0572 (Fairfax, Iowa), Fraternal Order of Eagles 2272, Moose Lodge 304, an officer with the Catholic Order of Foresters and a member of the Sandy Beach Campers Club.

Jim's greatest passion was camping with his family and their friends.

He is survived by Joanne (Griffin) Glynn, his wife of 64 years, whom he met in fifth grade when he moved to Cedar Rapids. They married on Jan. 3, 1955, at St. Patrick's Church. Together they had nine children: Brian (Terri), Eileen Crowley, Maureen Smalley (Gary), Christeen Faille (Steven) and Joleen Hinkel (Trevor), all of Cedar Rapids, James/Sparky (Laura) of San Clemente, Calif., Kayleen Schwartzenburg (Irvin) of New Caney, Texas, Kelly (fiancee Krista) of Clarence, Iowa, and Michael (Molly) of Shellsburg, Iowa.

He also is survived by three sisters, Joan Hinton and Karen Kleinmeyer, both of Cedar Rapids, and Clare Coder of Harpers Ferry, Iowa; three brothers, Donald Glynn (Ruby) and Gilbert Glynn (Renee) of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Robert Glynn (Paula) of Manchaca, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim and Joanne's legacy of love and commitment has grown their family to 103 members, including 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. They are best known as The Glynn Gang. Slainte!

Memorials may be directed to Discovery Living.