James George VOTAVA, son of Louise (MATUS) VOTAVA and Louis Frank VOTAVA, Sr., was born June 9, 1925 at Morris Bluff, Nebraska. Jim grew up in Nebraska and moved to Iowa in 1942.

Jim served his country during World War II. He entered the U.S. Army in August 1943 and was in the 158th Bush Masters. He fought in the Pacific Theater and was wounded in the Philippines. Jim was discharged as a Sgt. in February 1946 and was awarded the Purple Heart along with other medals and ribbons.

Jim was united in marriage to Ann ZAVORKA on October 18, 1951 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. They were privileged to celebrate 60 years of marriage. Jim farmed north of Clearfield until moving into Lenox in 2007. He was a hardworking farmer that always put his family first. He loved to take drives with his family and visit area lakes. He enjoyed cards and kolaches. Jim was a jokester with a good sense of humor. He always said that John Deere was the only kind of tractor. Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the American Legion.

Jim passed away October 29, 2011 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Seth THOMPSON; 2 brothers Louis and Frank VOTAVA; and 2 sisters Etta ROOD and Blanch FILLIPPI; 2 brothers-in-law Paul ENGLAND and Jerry FILLIPPI.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Ann VOTAVA of Lenox; 2 daughters Cathy WOOD and husband Jeff of Lenox and Lynne MABEN & husband Jodie of Clearfield; 3 grandchildren Brian WOOD and wife Jen of Lenox, Evan THOMPSON and wife Tracy of Lenox, and Kim WOOD and friend Marvin of Clearfield; 2 great-grandchildren Cullen WOOD and Cale THOMPSON; 2 sisters Mary ENGLAND of Clearfield and Alice SEDLACK of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Jim ROOD and wife Rose Mary of Fairfield, IA; sister-in-law Jean VOTAVA of Diagonal; many nieces, nephews and good friends.

A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later.

Funeral mass was held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Lenox on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, with Fr. Lazarus KIRIGIA officiating. Organist was Janet VENTEICHER and cantor was Judy WURSTER. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Clearfield was in charge of the arrangements.

Casket bearers included Brian WOOD, Evan THOMPSON, Jim ROOD, Doug ENGLAND, Mike SEDLACK, Jerry BROWN, Mark FRANTZ and Marvin VOTAVA.

Military rites were by Woodside Post #97, American Legion, Clearfield, Iowa.

Interment was made at Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield, Iowa.

SOURCE: hosting-24708.tributes.com/show/james-votava-92631384
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2012

A - B OBITUARIES INDEX         C OBITUARIES INDEX              D OBITUARIES INDEX
E - F - G OBITUARIES INDEX    H - I - J OBITUARIES INDEX      K - L OBITUARIES INDEX
M OBITUARIES INDEX              N - O - P OBITUARIES INDEX    Q - R OBITUARIES INDEX
S - T OBITUARIES INDEX          U - V - W OBITUARIES INDEX   X - Y - Z OBITUARIES INDEX