Jim J. Malake

Jim J. Malake

Marion

Jim J. Malake of Marion, Iowa, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Mercy Hospice, Hiawatha, Iowa.

No funeral is planned but a visitation with family will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors for both Jim and Sylvia will follow visitation at 11 a.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Born Jimmie Joe Malake on Aug. 6, 1936, in Iowa City, the son of Joseph Frank and Anna Mae Malake. He graduated from Marion High School Class of 1954. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He married the love of his life, Sylvia R. Seeks, a high school classmate, on Dec. 14, 1956, in Marion. Jim retired from Collins Radio in 1991. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan. He also enjoyed Indianapolis Indy car racing as well as NASCAR and local midget car racing.

For many years before retirement, Jim served our community as an IHSAA referee officiant for football, track, volleyball and wrestling. Jim and Sylvia loved Iowa Hawkeye wrestling and traveled many years by bus together to cheer on the Hawks at the NCAA National Championships. When not attending a live event, the TV was on and its going to get loud, don’t get in front of the TV! Jim loved his sports and forever be “Go Hawks!” He also served as a volunteer with the Marion Fire Department and served a term as president of the CR Bowling Association.

They liked to travel, especially out west many times with his brother and wife; many wonderful memories were made. Jim loved his family; they were very important to him, and he will be missed.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Debra (Kevin) Gelski, of Cedar Rapids; son, Wayne (Bridget) Malake of Estes Park, Colo.; grandson, Travis Malake of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Elizabeth (Ben) Johns of Arvada, Colo.; two beautiful great-granddaughters, Artemis “Arty” and Anastasia “Annie” Johns; brother, Robert “Bob” Malake; sister-in-law, Donna Malake of Davenport, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia, earlier this year; parents; sister, Sheryl and two infant sons, William and Craig.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.