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James “Jim” Edward Byrnes, 70, of Waukon died Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at his home from complications of cancer. Funeral Services were held Friday, July 31 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing, with Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg as the Officiant. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing with Military Honors.
Jim was born October 31, 1944 to Cyril and Lucille (Mauss) Byrnes in Hanover. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Lansing.
Jim joined the Army in 1966. He was part of the Big Red 1 Infantry and fought with them in the Vietnam War. After the war he moved back to Iowa, where he married Kathleen Schnuelle October 31, 1969. They later divorced in 1977.
Jim worked construction for many years until he bought his house in rural Waukon. His passion was woodworking and he spent the majority of his days fixing up his house and making furniture for his home and his family. Anyone that has seen his home knows the hard work that he put into it. Jim loved being outdoors, whether it was deer hunting, fishing or working in his yard. He especially loved any chance that he had to share his love for the outdoors with his family. The most important thing in his life was family, and he was so proud of his girls and everything that they accomplished.
Jim is survived by his four daughters: Julie (Jeff) Haler, Kristie (Troy) Hagensick, JoAnn (Jason) Corell and Kris Meyer; his 11 grandchildren: Amber and Tyler Stortz, Brittanie, Breanna and James Lightfoot, Cole Johanningmeier, Hannah Haler, Adrian Johanningmeier, Kaydyn and Jordyn Hagensick, and Camden Corell; 10 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Pauline Dundee, Karen Keatley and Shirley Clingenpee.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenny and Donnie Byrnes; a sister, Carol Dougherty; and his great-grandson, Landon Lightfoot.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.