Machen, James H.

James H. Machen, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids. Per James' wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids. Pastor Rick Gail will officiate, with inurnment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before the service on Friday.            

James is survived by his wife, Eileen; children, Neil (Valynda) Machen of Burnsville, Minn., and Janeen Jackson of Cedar Rapids; and three grandchildren, Rich Machen, Leah (Dan) Krieg and Nathan Jackson.        

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Frank Machen Jr., who died while serving his country in the United States Air Force during World War II.        

James Hoyland Machen was born Sept. 5, 1925, in Cedar Rapids, to Frank and Ethel (Hoyland) Machen. He married Harriet Eileen Cooperider on Aug. 6, 1950, in Marengo. James was a World War II veteran of the United States Coast Guard, serving from 1944 to 1946. James was a licensed journeyman plumber from 1952 until his retirement in 1984. After retirement James took up woodworking making many home furnishings for his own home and his children's homes. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, the outdoors, and hunting for ginseng and mushrooms.      

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association in James' name.   

Online condolences may be left by visiting www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.