James Nicholas Rich

James Nicholas Rich

Cedar Rapids

James Nicholas Rich, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died of natural causes on Friday, March 21, 2025.

He resided for 2 1/2 months at The Gardens Retirement Community in Cedar Rapids where he passed away.

Dad was laid to rest at Cedar Memorial cemetery next to his first wife, Darlene. A private family celebration of life is scheduled for a later date in June.

Jim was born on July 12, 1929 to the parents of Nicholas and Oleta (Smith) Rich in Birmingham, Iowa.

He was raised with 4 brothers and 4 sisters on an acreage in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. With all those siblings, he valued his time with his father the most. They would spend their days fishing.

He was a Korean War veteran and served with honors from 1948-1952. He was very proud of his service.

He attended Cornell College for a short time. But realized school wasn't for him. He moved back to Mt. Pleasant where he met his first wife, Darlene Johnson. They married on July 3, 1953 and moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jim worked at Cryovac manufacturing and subbed for a mail carrier on the weekends. They had 3 children together. Upon his wife's death in 1969, Jim had the task of raising 3 teens and working two jobs. He went to work full time for the postal office as a rural route mail carrier. He continued that job for 30 years. He enjoyed his job and worked very hard at it.

In 1979, he met Janis Griffiths. They married in 1980. His family grew adding her 3 teenagers. Dad treated them like his own. He was always kind to everyone.

They were married for 40 years. They were members of First Lutheran Church. They enjoyed ushering for many years. Upon his retirement, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. Janis died in 2020 and Jim chose to move back to Cedar Rapids to be closer to family.

He lived independently: driving, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of his 3 cats. He loved spending time with his family, going to the parks for picnics, and enjoying nature. He was an avid coin collector. He loved golf and watching sports on TV; especially Caitlin Clark. He was always interested in nutrition and staying healthy. He was famous (in our family) for his smoothies! And he was a pretty good cook.

He was loved by all. We will miss his ending remark every time he saw you, "I love you and you take care". Dad believed in working hard and taking care of your family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Darlene, stepdaughter Lisa, and second wife Janis. Also, his 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

He is survived by his daughters, Deb (Mark) Hartung, Marion, lowa, Karen (Bill) Leichsenring, Amana, lowa, son Steve Rich Eagle Rock, Missouri, stepdaughter Lori (Craig) Wheeler and stepson Brian (Kristin) Griffiths. His brother Will (Helen) Rich of Jacksonville, Florida. He also leaves behind his 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was so proud of them. And many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Safe Haven, 2783 Hwy 6 Trail South, Amana, lA 52334.

Special thanks to Dr. Cearlock and Erin Swailes for their dedication to treating Dad with such dignity. The family would like to express our gratitude for the care that was given at The Gardens and St. Luke's Hospice.