James A. Emerson

Our dad, brother, grampa, and friend began his journey on Earth April 5, 1940, at the family home in Cascade, Iowa. James Allan was the eighth child born to Orlan Eugene and Dorothy Florence (McElrath) Emerson. He was welcomed by 5 brothers, and 2 sisters. His sister Mary, who was 6 at the time, remembers the evening of his birth quite well. She became alarmed when she saw the local doctor enter their home carrying a black medical bag. The doctor proceeded into her parent’s bedroom and closed the door. Mary stayed near the stairs watching with wondering eyes, until her dad came out and directed her upstairs to bed. Though she had been scared by the sight of the doctor, she learned from her dad the next morning that the doctor had brought them a baby boy in that black medical bag that he came in with the night before. Indeed, he had. There was Jimmy, with lots of black hair, the prettiest baby Mary had ever seen. Although times were rough in ‘those days’ the family pulled together and with a lot of hard work they got by. People shared food, stories and helped their neighbors and friends. Kids learned to have a good work ethic, about the importance of doing a hard day’s work, and about doing whatever you do “right the first time,” at a young age. It was not all work and no fun though. Kids could truly be kids, too. They found ways to have fun, often with little to use but their own imaginations. They enjoyed playing in the mud, swimming, and fishing in the river, going to movies and visiting the stores around town. Five cents would buy a lot of candy, which we have been told that ‘someone’ may or may not share with his siblings. There was occasional mischief, that those kids managed to find too. A story that was re-told countless times involved the three youngest kids finding enough parts and gas to fire up an old car that they of course, took for a spin. When Eugene caught wind of what they had done, he rushed home from work and quickly turned their car project into scrap metal. You really cannot help but think he may have been a little amused and a little proud of those three for accomplishing such a feat. Following his father’s passing, Jimmy moved to California, with his mother and brother. Roger joined the US Army and Jim, the US Navy. The remainder of the eight kids had also either joined the military or started a family. After serving his Country aboard a US Navy destroyer, traveling to faraway places, including many months in the South China Sea, he finished his enlistment and landed in Cedar Rapids. Once there, he met a pretty girl, and got married. Although he was back at home and moving on with life, he never forgot the extreme poverty he witnessed, while overseas, especially the suffering of little children, who, as he put it, were just trying to find food. Jim then joined his brother Charles (Fritz) and brother-in-law Don, who worked in the construction trades. He became an accomplished cement mason with greatly admired talent. He mentored many during the 40+ years he spent with the Cement Mason’s Union Local 561. He was especially proud to have mentored some trades-women along the way, as well. Like his mother, Jim was an excellent cook. He had a knack for taking literally anything and turning it into something delicious. He always raised a huge garden, that as kids, we all hated to help with, but we loved the reward of good, fresh food later. Jim spent time game hunting, mushroom hunting, fishing, both observing and participating in auto racing, generally enjoying any outdoor activities. As time passed, his interests changed and he began to enjoy going to the casino, where he often had incredible luck. He loved attending auctions, where he frequently found things that he felt a family member or friend might enjoy being given. He was honest, had an excellent work ethic, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in a tough spot. He donated many hours to community and private projects that enhanced the lives of others. He was known to offer a ride, food, or a few bucks to perfect strangers, who he thought needed to be shown a bit of kindness. He had a strong belief in treating people with honesty, fairness, and dignity, regardless of their circumstances. He was often a man of few words, but with the right subject matter, he would talk your ear off. He was well versed in world events, politics, and environmental issues. He would gladly have long discussions on these topics over a beer or a bourbon (and 7, with a splash of water). He was stubborn, humble, and a one-of-a kind guy, with a gruff exterior, but a big, generous heart. He so often put the needs and feelings of others first, and had an objective, non-judgmental ear, and kind brown eyes.

He will be missed by many, including his children, Ellen Birch (Greg Haack), Renee Bear (Al), Erik (Jessica) Emerson. His grandchildren, Fvalon Mitchell (Rick), Devan Birch, Taryn Tatar (Chad), Reanna Wilhelm (Brandon), Carson Bear, Emily Schnoebelen (Cody), and Derik Emerson. His great-grandchildren, Kaelyn and Leigha Birch, Adelyn, Ian and Drew Mitchell, Stella and Callie Schnoebelen, Brooklyn, Dallas, Cataleigha, and Kadence Tatar, his former wife and friend, Cheryl Emerson, sisters Doris Reddin, who was a great friend and mentor to him throughout his life, Mary Slauson, whom he always had kind words for, and his brother, Everette “Tony” Emerson, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, including his faithful old dog Max, his young dog Blue, and his cat Baby. Waiting to greet him in Heaven, are his parents, brothers Clifford “Dale”, Galen “Jake”, Charles “Fritz”, and Roger, along with many other relatives, and buddies of the two and four-legged kind. We will all miss the great stories, ‘fix-it’ ideas, home remedies, and wonderful, dry, sense of humor. See you later, loyal friend.

The earthly journey for James A. Emerson came to a close on Saturday, November 25, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at Community Presbyterian Church, Cascade, Iowa with the Rev. Wayne C. Peach officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Cascade Community Cemetery, Cascade, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, Iowa. A memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is caring for the family.