James Lukefahr

JAMES "JIM" LUKEFAHR

Newton

James "Jim" Lee Lukefahr, 77, passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton.

Jim was born March 29, 1940, to Pervis and Beulah (Haupt) Lukefahr in Laflin, Mo. He graduated from Lutesville High School in Lutesville, Mo. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he met Elisabeth Fischer. They quickly eloped in Moberly, Mo., on June 4, 1962. With their union came three sons, James, Gregory and Douglas. They lived in Harlan, Iowa, for nine years as a family until they moved in 1972 to Newton, where they made their forever home.

Jim worked his whole life with Agrico Chemical Co. in Des Moines, Iowa.

He had many interests, including playing bridge with friends, gardening, golfing, fishing, landscaping, carpentry, and all things that involved woodworking. He enjoyed playing basketball and was a lifetime Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Most importantly, he loved his family. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids at their sporting events. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Left to cherish his memory include his children, James (Lori), Greg (Mary) and Doug (Julie) Lukefahr; grandchildren, Katie, Brock, Jace, Seth and Jayden; siblings, Leroy (Bonnie) Lukefahr and Viola (Lem) Prog; and in-laws, Phyllis, Judy and Patsy Lukefahr.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elisabeth Lukefahr; his parents; siblings, Pervis Jr., Tom and Lenzel Lukefahr; and in-law, Bill Cazadd.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton.

The family would like to express their gratitude toward the Hobbs family for their comfort and support during this time and the staff at Newton Village for their care and compassion for Jim.