James Daniel Schoner

James Daniel Schoner

Marion

James Daniel Schoner, 77, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, with family by his side. Born Dec. 1, 1945, James was primarily known as “Danny” or “Bubba.” His family is saddened and heartbroken by this loss.

Danny graduated from Washington High School in 1964 and stayed connected with his class. He later earned an AAS Degree from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. He also worked in landscaping and as a dedicated custodian for the University of Iowa spanning 25 years.

Danny loved animals, nature, walking his dogs, and being with family. He seldom ever complained, respected all people and life, and was endeared by many with his pleasant nature and gracious smile. In the words of his son-in-law’s family, he was inspirational, kind, caring, and loving.

Danny, a lifelong Hawkeyes fan, loved to recount his visits with Hayden Fry who on occasion stopped by Pleasant View Lodge, in North Liberty. Also known as “The Lodge,” it was a diner, tavern, and apartment complex, where Danny lived for nearly 30 years.

Danny was beloved by and “parented” many pets throughout his life. Boss was a neighbor's dog, he taught to fetch a rock from the woods surrounding the area. He’d sometimes “bet” people (including Hayden Fry) that Boss could return a rock marked with an “X”, which Danny would heave deep into the woods. No matter how long it took, Boss found it and brought it back to Danny, every time!

Danny moved to the city of Marion to be near his daughter and her family. That’s where he co-adopted Comet, Zoey, Silver, Fred, George, and Evie, a “service cat” who saw “Bubba” as “her person.”

Danny was preceded by parents Kenneth and Jane Schoner (Walters), biological mother Susan Garcia, his aunt Ann Louise Walters (Engberg), and former mother-in-law Tillie Staub (Evenson).

Danny is survived by his daughter Jodie Murphy (Michael Murphy), granddaughter Justeen Schoner, grandson Connor Murphy, nephew Kevin Schoner, niece Carrie Sue (Schoner), uncle Jack Walters, and cousin Martha Booth (Walters).

In lieu of flowers, Bubba’s Family requests that you direct memorials in his memory to Brosh Chapel under his name to help with funeral services and visitation to be set at a future date.