Obituary of James S. Bigelow

James M. "Jim" Bigelow, 82, of Iowa City, passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness Friday April 28, 2017 at Mercy Hospital. Funeral mass will be 11 am, Friday, May 5th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City, with visitation Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Gay & Ciha Funeral Service in Iowa City. A rosary will begin at 7pm. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memories and online condolences may be shared with Jim's family at www.gayandciha.com. Memorials can be made to the James Bigelow Memorial Fund. James Mearle Bigelow was born June 21, 1934 in Tiffin, Iowa. He was the son of Oscar and Genevieve (Weeks) Bigelow. He was united in marriage to Joyce Dvorsky on May 19, 1953 in Solon, Iowa and resided in Coralville for many years until moving to Iowa City. Jim was focused on family and community all his life. He served for many years on the Coralville City Council and Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, served as treasurer for the Odd Fellows, and was commander of the local Civil Air Patrol. Jim spent over 35 years in the banking industry, working his way up to the position of chief financial officer. After retiring from banking he continued working as an insurance agent. Spending time with his family was the most important thing for Jim, and he always found reasons to be outside with them. He was an avid outdoorsman who had annual camping trips with family and he was always there for them when they needed him. Surviving family includes his wife, Joyce, and children: Gail Momberg (Joe) of Iowa City, Steve Bigelow (Diane) of Ellensburg, WA, Lori Hudepohl of Williamsburg, and Amy Bigelow (Peter Carranza) of Greeley, CO. His grandchildren include James and John Momberg, Nathan Bigelow, Brandon Hudepohl, and Jessica Tuttle. Jim has four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mildred, Viva, Leslie, Raymond, Gene, and Don. Gay & Ciha Funeral Service is caring for Jim's family and his services.