Lyle Harry James

Lyle Harry James, 91, passed away at his home in Knoxville, Iowa on Saturday, October 28, 2023. A funeral service for Lyle will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Knoxville Church of the Nazarene with a burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided following burial at the church.  A visitation will be held at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Lyle was born in Rural Marion County on September 12, 1932, to Walter and Effie James. He graduated from Beech School in 1950. After high School, Lyle joined the United States Army where he proudly and bravely served his country during the Korean War. On December 3, 1952, Lyle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Wanda De Moss at the old Church of the Nazarene in Knoxville. When their kids were younger, they always enjoyed their many camping trips to Thousand Acres. They stay happily married for 66 years until Wanda’s passing in 2018.

Lyle was no stranger to hard work and getting his hands dirty. His retirement from Maytag did not mean he would sit idle. He mowed yards and hauled away brush long after retirement.  Lyle loved the outdoors, especially working on the farm. He enjoyed tending to the hogs and cattle or anything else that needed done on the farm.

Later in life, Lyle’s place of peace was in the church. He was saved at the Church of the Nazarene. This was a life-changing moment for him.  He cherished his time in the church and all the people he came to know and love. Whether it was greeting before the service, working the food pantry, or teaching Bible school to the children, Lyle’s love for the Lord and his church never wavered.

Left to cherish Lyle’s memory are his children, Pat (Dave) Miller, Rick (Cheryl) James, and Kevin (Laurie) James; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Bertha Weber and Lloyd James.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Wanda; daughter, Bonnie;  brothers, Ralph James and Arden James; sisters, Cleva Barnes, Vinice Gobben, Ida Lewis, and Rose Sytsma.

Memorials in Lyle’s name may be made to the Knoxville Church of the Nazarene.