Obituary of Walter Joseph James Sr.

Walter Joseph James Sr., 79 of Iowa City died Friday, December 1, 2017, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am Saturday, December 9, 2017, at The Kingdom Center (611 Southgate, Iowa City) with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Friday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.  For a more complete obituary, to share a memory, thought of condolence please go to the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Walter Joseph James Sr. was born May 30, 1938, in Mansura, Louisiana, the son of LeRoy and Mary (Francois) James. He married LaRhonda L. James on September 3, 1977 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. He worked for over 25 years for Sears in Chicago. The Couple moved to Iowa City in 2009 where they have enjoyed being with family. Walt was known to many and everyone that had the pleasure to know Walt knew a man that enjoyed life to the fullest and did things his way. He was Mr. Social, never met a stranger, and would give you his last dime; enjoyed all sorts of music especially the blues. He loved to cook and bar-be-ques, enjoyed sports and card games, but near and dear to him was his family and friends, both which are many! He will be missed for his jokes and laughter and the wisdom of life lessons that he taught to everyone.

Those left to cherish his memory includes his wife of 40 years, LaRhonda James. His daughters: Tammie Watkins (Eddie Davis), Janice Collins (Clayborn Collins), Crystal Courtney (Taurus Courtney), and Ashley Robinson. His Sons: Darrin Harris and Walter James Jr. Twenty-five grandkids and 14 great-grandchildren, his sister Judy James; two sister-in-law’s Laverne Jones, and Kimberly Robinson; four brother-in-law’s Gene Holmes Sr., Norwood Lee Sr., Leslie Robinson (Rosemary), and Morris Robinson II. Host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Mary (Francois) James, Step mother Alzica P. James, whom helped raised him and his two Sisters Mary James Lee and Cecil James Holmes of Mansura, Louisiana.