James Vitko

James John Vitko, age 74, of Ottumwa, formerly of Albia, died Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at the Hospice House of Ottumwa. Jim was born August 25, 1931 in Albia, Iowa to John F. and Mary Agnes (Stofko) Vitko. Jim married Ruth Ann Hayes on January 21, 1963 in Indiana. Jim graduated from Albia High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his service Jim worked at Maytag before becoming a outside electrician from L. E. Myers Electrical Contractor until 1980. In 1980 Jim and his family moved to Hardy, Arkansas working in the electrical field until retiring. After Jim retired he began to work for St. MichaelÂ?s Catholic Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, taking care of the churches maintenance needs for seven years, before becoming ill. In May of 2005 Jim and Ruth Ann moved to Ottumwa. Jim was a member and enjoyed volunteering for St. MichaelÂ?s Catholic Church, he observed Cursillo, Marian Movement of Priests, a member of the American Legion, Howard Cessna Post # 136 of Albia, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Vitko of Ottumwa; mother-in-law, Beatrice Hayes of Ash Flat, Ark.; four Children, Barbara (Jeff) Ackles of Friendswood, TX, Teresa (Juan) Barajas of Garland, TX, John (Jennifer) Vitko of Ottumwa, and Michael Vitko of Friendswood, TX. Also surviving Jim are 10 grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Vitko of Cleveland, OH, Ray Vitko Sr. of Albia; and one sister, Janet Vitko of Garland, TX. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Andrew Vitko; and one granddaughter, Christina Barajas. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 25, 2006 at St. MaryÂ?s Catholic Church in Albia with Rev. William Walter C.PP.S. officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Howard Cessna Post No. 136 American Legion of Albia. Visitation will begin after 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 24, 2006 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Albia with the family present from 6-8 P.M. Friday evening. A Christian wake service will also be held Friday evening at 6:30 P.M., at the funeral home. Memorial graveside services will be held privately at a later date at St. MaryÂ?s Cemetery in Albia. Memorials may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation