KLINKEL, James (aka William Charles H. COWELL) 1931-2006

KLINKEL, COWELL, LOCKEY

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 12/2/2008 at 20:14:02

Visitation:
Hauser Funeral Home
1205 South Main Street
Charles City, Iowa

Service:
1:30 PM, Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Trinity United Methodist Church
601 Milwaukee Street
Charles City, Iowa

James Klinkel, 75, of Charles City, died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City. He had been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis for some time when the Lord called him home.

Born William Charles Harold Cowell on June 1, 1931, James started life on a farm in North Dakota with his parents Frank William and Grace (Cornish) Cowell. On March 20, 1936, he was adopted by his eldest sister Olive and her husband Levi Klinkel. It was then that his name was legally changed to Jimmy Klinkel.

James grew up in the Charles City area. He went to Charles City Community High School and graduated in 1949.

On June 17, 1951 he married Eleanor Mae Lockey at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together with God they raised four boys and one girl: Wayne, Victor, Robert, Douglas, and Kimberly.

Throughout his life, James remained a pillar of his community and his church, Trinity United Methodist Church. He was active in: United Methodist Men, Assistant Lay Leader, Staff Parish Pastor Relations, Nominating Committee, Missions Committee, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Counselor, annual Methodist Conference, Conference Planning Committee, various Bishop jobs, Floyd County Volunteers, Charles City Community Revitalization, Boy Scouts of America, Loyal Order of Moose, and many local baseball leagues including the Charles City Alumni baseball team.

His working years were spent at Salsbury Laboratories as a printer. After retirement, he stayed busy transporting vehicles for Mike Molstead Motors.

When James was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, he was forced to slow down. He enjoyed watching any sport on TV, working “fill-it-ins” puzzles, reading western tales, and spending time conversing at numerous family gatherings. James was always a stern, but loving father and grandfather. A moral man, James’ life was a shining example for how all should live. He is greatly missed.

James is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; his sons, Wayne (Lynne) of Montana, Bob (Judy) of Ames, Doug (Kim) of Charles City; his daughter Kim (Gary) Christiansen of Charles City; 14 grandchildren; and many brothers and sisters.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Grace, Olive, and Levi; his son Vic; and many brothers and sisters.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of North Iowa – Charles City Satellite, 1003 Gilbert St., Charles City, Iowa, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee St. Charles City, Iowa.

[Hauser Funeral Home obituary - www.hauserfh.com]