James A. Mayer

James A. Mayer

Lone Tree

James Andrew Mayer, 94, of Cedar Rapids, died November 16 at Pioneer Park Care Center, Lone Tree. According to his wishes, there will be no memorial service.

James A. Mayer was born on September 24, 1930, in Clarksville to George and Clara (Lubben) Mayer. He graduated from Clarksville High School as class president in 1948 and the University of Iowa in 1952 with a journalism degree. He served two years active duty in the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as a technical writer.

In 1953 he married Marjorie Nettleton, Greene. He was editor of the Pioneer Republican in Marengo from 1954 to 1968 and editor/publisher of Anamosa Newspapers from 1968 to 1978. He wrote a weekly column, “JAM Session,” for over 25 years. In 1978 he became outdoor editor and assistant state editor at the Cedar Rapids Gazette until his retirement in 1993.

Jim was a lifelong Hawkeyes fan and an avid reader. He was active in Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Izaac Walton and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. As he grew older though, he found more enjoyment in watching wildlife than pursuing it. Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Jim is survived by Marge, his wife of 71 years, two daughters, April Acton (Patrick), Gladbrook, and Melody Brenneman, Nichols; two sons, Kelly, San Antonio, TX, and Brant (Mary Hurley), LaCrosse, WI; his sister Carole Hoffman; Cedar Falls; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, and his daughter-in-law Debby (Smith) Mayer.