James A. Baber
June 12, 2010
James A. Baber, 82, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2010, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer’s disease.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 15, with burial following at Sharon Cemetery in rural Wayne County alongside his beloved wife Betty Baber (Isaacs). A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, with family present at Southtown Funeral Home.
James was born on June 11, 1928, to Lucretia (Langford) and Arthur Baber in rural Derby, Iowa. James was raised on a farm there and graduated from Derby High School. James married Betty G. Isaacs in 1951 and they were blessed with four children.
James began his career at Meredith Publishing in 1949 and retired in 1987. James was in the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. James had an incredible work ethic and was dedicated to both his career at Meredith and his family.
James and his wife, Betty, enjoyed traveling and camping with their children and in later years owned a home on Lake Rathbun that became a weekend destination for their children and grandchildren. In his later years, James enjoyed playing Bingo, tending to his vegetable garden, and feeding the birds and squirrels in his yard.
James is survived by his four children Dennis (Eilene) Baber, DeDe (John) Gorsche, Donna ( John) Bennett and Debra (Steve) Elsberry along with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Betty Sanders, Loyceine Mosher, and Nancy (Keith) Harvey, and other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty, his parents and an infant sister.
For the past year, James resided at Emeritus Senior Living Center in Urbandale. His children would like to thank the wonderful staff for their care and devotion to Jim and his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jordan United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Iowa Chapter.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lori Carlson
06/17/2010
I want to let you know that your family has been in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Carlson and Family
Linda Becker, cousin
06/15/2010
Amy, Freeman, and Linda would like to extend our condolences to the Baber family. We will miss Jim very much. We will be thinking of you from Texas on today as you celebrate Jim's life. We will be thinking and talking about the many good times we had with Jim, Betty, and all the kids. As Betty lived with Amy from the time she was 12, they always thought of each other as sisters. When Betty married Jim, we had many great times together for family holidays and events. In addition, Freeman worked with Jim at Meridith for around 40 years.
So our prayers will be with you all and even though we are at a distance, we hope you will feel our presence!
LOVE and HUGS!!
Major (Tex) McCasland
06/14/2010
We are sorry we was not able to attend the services, due to an illness within our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Major and Fern McCasland and family
Loren Langford
06/13/2010
Dennis, DeDe, Donna, and Debra,
Evelyn and I were saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was a wonderful, loving and caring man. He was a great friend of mom and dad's as well. James and dad were great hunting buddies for sure. Dennis, I appreciated so the visits you and your father made to mom after Dad died.
We send our love, prayers and deepest sympathies. We will be at the services Tuesday.
Love, Loren and Evelyn Langford
Bob and Nona Hayward
06/13/2010
Dear Family of James Baber, We were so sorry to hear of James' passing. We know it was time--may the Lord provide comfort as only He can do. James had the respect of our family as to the fact he had a close relationship with Mom and Dad (Virgil and Vera Langford)--his Uncle and Aunt. He remembered them in his special way to make them feel appreciated as family. As a daughter living far from home, it was always good to hear Mom and Dad tell of James' visit--many times with members of his family. I know he was well loved and appreciated--he will be missed. May you accept our sincere condolences. Love, In Christ, Bob and Nona Langford Hayward
Virginia (Johnson) Semple
06/13/2010
To all the Baber children and spouses - My thoughts are with you at
this time. May you find comfort in the company of each other.