James 'Jim' Earl

JAMES "JIM" RICHARD EARL

Cedar Rapids

James "Jim" Richard Earl, 81, of Cedar Rapids, found peace after a long illness on Dec. 30, 2016.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Rosemary (Simonelli) Earl; a daughter, Tiffany and son-in-law Phillip (Williams); and three grandchildren, Grayson, Kathryn and Alexander James (AJ).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Richard and Helen Ruth Earl; and sister, Barbara Coerper.

Jim was born Feb. 13, 1935, in Chicago. He was a graduate of George Washington High School in Cedar Rapids and attended the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 as a designated specialist where he was in charge of marksman training and received the Good Conduct Medal. He remained in the reserves until 1965.

Jim raised his family in Cedar Rapids and was president of Electro-Coatings, a company founded by his father. Jim had a strong work ethic and a salesman's charm. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved jazz music, an occasional scotch and his Labrador retrievers. After he retired and even as his health waned, Jim devoted his energy toward his family, taking special joy in watching his grandchildren grow. His spirit lives on in them.

At Jim's request, funeral services will be private. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association designated for research.

Please share your condolences with Jim's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com.