James Lierow

James D. Lierow, 79, died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Kavanagh Hospice House on 56th Street in Des Moines.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 15, 2010 at Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church at 9:30 A.M. It will be followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M. A military graveside service will be held later in the day at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, IA at 2:30 P.M. The family will receive friends at Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa at 3:30 P.M.

Jim was born on May 7, 1930 to Frank and Irene Lierow in Oskaloosa. His story includes the legend that following his birth, the mid-wife laid him on the opened oven door to keep him warm during a cold spell. Jim attended Oskaloosa Public Schools and graduated in 1948. He was unable to attend the graduation ceremony as at that time he was on active duty with the Iowa National Guard due to a strike at a meat packing plant in Waterloo, Iowa. This would be sign of the price of his service as he missed many birthdays and anniversaries while on active duty or working long hours for the Iowa National Guard and later the United States Army Reserve. Jim joined the Iowa National Guard in November 1947. His military service ended 34 years later when he retired as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserves in June, 1981. Jim completed his service to the United States when he retired as a Department of Army Civilian administrator on June, 1993. This event marked the completion of 46 years of continued Federal Service. He made a significant contribution to the lives and careers of many Iowa soldiers through a strong leadership style based upon a compassionate commitment for their safety and success.

Jim met a girl who spilled hot chocolate on his lap to get his attention away from another who came with him to a church social. Jim eventually married that girl, Marlene Joyce Rodgers, on June 8, 1952. They started their lives together on a farm that Marlene’s father, Floyd, had obtained when he had purchased another to expand his operation. Jim and Floyd worked together until Jim chose the opportunity to purchase an oil distribution business with Socony Mobil in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Jim and Marlene now had two sons, Jimmy and Jerry, when they moved to Ottumwa in the fall of 1959. Jim and Marlene later had a daughter, Judy, and another son, Jeffrey. Their time in Ottumwa was rich with many community and church activities. Jim helped the Ottumwa Jaycees start the raft races down the Des Moines river that culminated at Ottumwa. He led his sons’ scout troops and was active in the Methodist Church. A major activity in the community’s and family’s life was the Annual Antique Airplane Fly-in. His sons were honored to be able to ride around on top of their father’s truck while he dispensed his products to wide variety of flying machines.

Jim led the family to Des Moines, IA in August, 1967 when he took a full-time civilian job with the Department of the Army. His military service transferred to the United States Army Reserves at the same time. Jim assisted soldiers preparing for combat in all of the combat operations from Vietnam to Desert Storm. He was known as a stern “old sergeant” with a “heart of gold.”

Jim and Marlene experienced many of life’s significant events while in Des Moines. There were more joys than tears in the 41 years that they made Des Moines their family’s home. Their life was rich with many family trips and outings. He saw his three sons graduate from college and become commissioned officers in the Army. Jim was proud to say that he must have made a mistake, because as an enlisted man, all of his sons became officers.

Jim and Marlene enjoyed their 57 years of marriage with their children, friends, and family through various social and service organizations. Jim’s many community activities included the Jaycees in Ottumwa, IA and serving as a scout master for his sons in addition to taking the entire family on many camping trips and excursi

Print