James Alan Shetterly

James Alan Shetterly

Cedar Rapids

James Alan Shetterly, 91, passed away peacefully after a short illness on July 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Private graveside services will be held at the Veteran's Cemetery in Adel, IA in the coming months, honoring Jim's military service and his love for his country. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

Born on March 2, 1933, in New Sharon, IA, Jim's journey was marked by devotion to family and country.

Jim was a standout baseball player for the Hartford Indians, graduating from Hartford High School in 1952. His lifelong enthusiasm for baseball found a new chapter as he cheered on his grandsons from the stands, attending every game he could and always ready with words of encouragement and pride.

Answering the call to serve his country, Jim joined the United States Navy. He served proudly from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict. From 1953 to 1955, Jim was stationed in the Philippine Islands, and played in a league in Manila with the Navy Base Team. These experiences in the Navy and on the baseball field remained cherished memories throughout his life.

On April 12, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Myrna Lou Barton, in Altoona, IA, embarking on a 67-year adventure. Jim's adoration for Myrna only grew stronger with each passing day, a testament to their eternal love and devotion.

Hartford, and subsequently Cedar Rapids, became the places where Jim and Myrna built their lives and raised their family. Jim retired from Alan Motor Company in Cedar Rapids after 35 years as a top sales associate and manager. After retirement, he and Myrna embraced entrepreneurship, founding Geodes Unlimited. Their rock and geode business became a fixture at local craft fairs. In his later years, Jim delivered flowers and prescriptions for Hy-Vee, brightening days for 15 years.

Jim's zest for life extended far beyond his work. He remained an avid sports fan, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed volunteering with the El Kahir Shriners as a clown by the name of “Fuzzy” with the Jolly Joker Clown Unit, mining for geodes, and treasured his duck and pheasant hunting trips with his son. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those fortunate enough to know Jim describe him as the epitome of kindness, love, and gentleness. His readiness to help others knew no bounds. His daughter, Lori, remarked not recalling a single time where Jim was outwardly angry or unkind.

Jim is survived by his wife, Myrna; children Lori Culbertson (Tim) and Tim Shetterly (Kari); siblings Catherine Isley (Jim), Barb Cox (Dan), and Bob Shetterly (Joann); grandchildren Keely Knight (Nicholas), Carly Hachey (Wylie), Weston Shetterly, and Jayna Gudenkauf (Ben); and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernice and Myron Shetterly, brother Larry Shetterly, and sisters Mary Purdy, Kelly Dunn, and Linda Clarke.

To share condolences, cards can be mailed to Myrna Shetterly at 965 Cedar Crest Rd., Cedar Rapids, IA 52043. In lieu of flowers, online donations can be made to the VA Medical Center in Iowa City by visiting https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50797090.

Jim will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.