James Astor

JAMES HARRY ASTOR

Cedar Rapids

James Harry Astor, 91, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Lantern Park Specialty Care, Care Initiatives, Coralville, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Sharon United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from

4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Burial with military honors: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

James was born Feb. 5, 1926, the son of Raymond and Anna (Theesfeld) Astor. Mick and Regina Averill, neighboring farmers, raised him from the age of 3, until he went into the service. He enjoyed growing up in the Arlington, Iowa, area. James served in the U.S. Army in the 2nd armored division Hell on Wheels during World War II in Leyte, Philippines. One of his last missions was preparing for Operation Downfall, which was ultimately cancelled due to the Japanese surrender. His awards included the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. On Dec. 7, 1946, he was married to Laura Bates in Arlington. They moved to Hiawatha and later Cedar Rapids, where they raised five children. They were married for 57 years, until her passing in 2003.

In his spare time, he especially loved camping and fishing the trout streams of northern Iowa. James and his wife were active members of Sharon United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

James worked for Iowa Manufacturing for over 40 years. During his time there, he took great pride in the many hours spent also working on the Brucemore Mansion for Howard Hall.

Survivors include his four children, Dennis (Bev) Astor, Carol (Steve) Murphy, Donna Birkicht and Janis (Larry) McMann; daughter-in-law, Jane Astor; 15 grandchildren, Todd Astor, Shelby Astor, Robert Rudd, Justin Murphy, Jennifer Carr, Cory Birkicht, Andrea Prohaska, Hether Stauffacher, Larry McMann Jr., Lonnie McMann, Chris Peterman, Dennis McMann, Brian McMann, Jacqueline Lavely and Jacob Astor; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine (Bill) Bright; brother, Gary (Joanne) Astor; sister-in-law, Sonya Astor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Jeffery Astor; parents; foster parents; and eight siblings.

Memorials may be directed to Sharon United Methodist Church, Care Initiative Hospice or the VFW, in memory of James.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.