James "Jim" L Wixom

View Video Tribute James "Jim" L. Wixom, 81, of Keokuk, IA, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Keokuk Area Hospital, Keokuk, IA. He was born January 21, 1931 in Keokuk, IA the son of Isaac Bud and Bertha Mae O'Day Wixom. On January 2, 1950 he was united in marriage to Lois Ilene Cochran in Missouri. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Steve Wixom and his wife Karla of Keokuk, IA, two daughters, Debby Mueller and her husband Jim of Lynnwood, WA and Cindy Hardin and her husband Jim of West Point, IA, ten grandchildren, Kristy Summers, Kim Cannon , Matt Wixom, Kourtney Wixom, Mia Mueller, Misti Maidel and her husband Scott, Austin Hardin, Adam Hardin, Andy Hardin and his wife Ashley and Archie Hardin, ten great-grandchildren, Kolton Sapp, Kenton, Kaylynn, and Kendra Summers, Kailey, Kyler, Kaitey and Karley Cannon, Isaiah and Colby Hardin, two brothers-in-law, Ronald Cochran and his wife Rovene of Ft. Madison, IA and Robert Cochran and his wife Dorothea of Argyle, IA, four sisters-in-laws, Wilma West and her husband Homer of Brighton, IA Twila Harper and her husband Delbert of Kahoka, MO, Jeanie Rine of Irmo, S.C. and Helen Wixom of Keokuk, IA, special family friends Candy and Mike Mueller of Bettendorf, IA, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Jim had Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of nineteen and was an inspiration to us all. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, William and Robert Wixom, and three sisters, Helen Hemmingway, Doris Piraino and Lois Hanley. Jim had been employed at General Mills in Keokuk for twenty seven years, retiring in 1974. He was the last living retiree from General Mills. His family was the owner of Wixom Frames. Jim also re-caned and refinished furniture. Jim was a faithful member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Keokuk. He held the longest membership of the church, having joined when he was fourteen years old. Over the sixty-seven years, he served in many capacities at the church. He and his wife Lois chaired the Election Day Chili Committee for thirty-eight years. He was also a member of Grain Millers Union #7. Jim was a charter member of Quail Forever Great River Chapter #3021 and served as an active committee member. He was a former member of the Swing Easy Foundation. Jim was very involved in the refurbishing and upkeep of the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum in Keokuk, where he had been a volunteer for nine years. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time hunting, fishing and trap shooting. He also enjoyed playing cards and spectator sports. Jim's greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren participate in various activities. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday,March 23, 2012 at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA with Reverend David Barrett and Dr. J. Robert Burkhart officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel United Methodist Church or Lee County Hospice.