James "Jim" Conlon
August 21, 1940
December 31, 2020
Due to COVID-19 a visitation for James "Jim" Conlon, 80, of Spencer is being planned for May 14 with Military Honors on May 15 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ruthven.
Jim Conlon passed away Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven.
Jim, son of James and Leona (Walsh) Conlon, was born on Aug. 21, 1940 in Emmetsburg.
After graduating from Ruthven Consolidated School, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1958. He attended several technical and mechanical engineering schools. Jim didn't want to go to school but realized he needed to in order to succeed in life. He was an equipment specialist with aircrafts; an instructor for aircraft maintenance; working helicopter flight tests and repair.
Jim retired in October of 1988 after serving 30 years in the United States Navy. He often said, "It was the best choice I ever made."
Jim served as the VA Director for Palo Alto County Veterans Affairs for ten years. He helped many veterans receive the benefits that were due to them. He was truly an 'officer and a gentleman'.
Jim prided himself in being a hard worker, teaching his children and grandchildren the same work ethic. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend to many.
After full retirement, Jim and Linda wintered in the Gulf Coast of Alabama. When back in Iowa they had a camper at Lost Island Lake where family gathered numerous times. The grandkids truly enjoyed staying there, enjoying the swimming, boat rides, fishing and the s'mores around the campfires. And we can't forget the 2:00 a.m. graham crackers and frosting with the grandkids.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Leona Conlon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Helen Riecke.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda of Spencer; his children, Melanie (Bob) Doyle of Milton, FL, Troy Conlon of St. Petersburg, FL, Brian (Mina) Rasmussen of Emmetsburg, Brad (Tori) Rasmussen of Spencer; grand- children, Connor Knobloch and Dillon Doyle of Florida, Tashina Rasmussen of Emmetsburg, Emily (Jesse) Zahrt of Des Moines, Jordon (Breanna) Rasmussen of Spencer, and Max (Felicia) Rasmussen of Spirit Lake; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Camdyn Zahrt, and Angelo, Rosie and Truman Rasmussen; brothers, John (Connie) Conlon of Spencer, Bob (Connie) Conlon of Gulf Shores, AL, Chris (Karen) Conlon of Hinton; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
