James D. “Jim” Stucker
James D. “Jim” Stucker
Robins
James D. “Jim” Stucker, 89, of Robins, passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at The Woodlands of Meth-Wick from complications of a stroke. As per his wishes, a private, family graveside service in the Acacia section of Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery has been held.
Jim was born February 9, 1934, to Oliver D. and Mildred J. Stucker at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated from Franklin High School in January 1951, being a member of the last formal mid-year graduating class in Cedar Rapids. He enlisted in the U.S. Army training in heavy equipment maintenance at Ft. Belvoir, Va. He was sent to Korea, stationed at Anderson Air Force in the special category of the Army reassigned with the Air Force (SCARWAF). After a duty in Guam, he was discharged at Mineral Wells, Texas.
Upon his return from the military, Jim was united in marriage to Anna Sue Lowe at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church on June 22, 1957. He attended the Academy of Automation in data processing. He began his Collins Radio career in computer operations, then as supervisor of the Microfilm Department and the last 27 years as manager of Collins Graphics Distribution Center. He retired after 33 years of service.
Jim served as Master of Mt. Hermon Masonic Lodge #263 in 1982 and was a member of the El Kahir Shrine. He loved transporting kids to Shrine hospitals in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati, having made over 100 trips. He was a member of The Hospital Dads Unit and The Directors Staff. He liked operating the calliope in parades.
Jim and Leo Greco redeemed pop tabs over the years with proceeds going to The El Kahir Transportation Fund. Jim was also a member of The American Legion #298 in Marion and a long-time member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church. He had the privilege to go on an Honor Flight in 2013 with his daughter. He was proud of his Quilt of Valor presented to him by the Mayflower Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Jim loved to camp and travel in their motorhome. He and Anne visited all 50 states. Trips to Cancun, Canada and Maritime Provinces as well as Labrador were especially enjoyable. Their 50th anniversary was celebrated on a cruise to the Bahamas with their daughter’s family. He loved his model trains and layout, a passion since he purchased his first Lionel train with money earned delivering the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne; daughter, Karen Luanne Gearhart; grandson, Hunter James Gearhart; granddaughter, Brianne (Bria) Tatyana Gearhart; sister-in-law, Glenna (Randy) Taylor of Greeneville, Tenn., and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Glenn (Leora) Lowe and Lula (Ralph) Reynolds all of Greeneville, Tenn.; brother, Dean (Betty Lou) Stucker; sister, Ruth Ann (Harold) Valentine; brothers-in-law, Delbert Brink, and David Lowe; and sister-in-law, Betty Stucker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to El Kahir Shrine Transportation Fund or Camp Courageous. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Woodlands of Meth-Wick and Essence of Life Hospice for their compassionate care of James. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.