James George Votava June 9, 1925 – October 29, 2011
James George Votava, son of Louise (Matus) Votava and Louis Frank Votava, Sr., was born June 9, 1925 at Morris Bluff, Nebraska. Jim grew up in Nebraska and moved to Iowa in 1942.
Jim served his country during World War II. He entered the U.S. Army in August 1943 and was in the 158th Bush Masters. He fought in the Pacific Theater and was wounded in the Philippines. Jim was discharged as a sergeant in February 1946 and was awarded the Purple Heart along with other medals and ribbons.
Jim was united in marriage to Ann Zavorka on October 18, 1951 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. They were privileged to celebrate 60 years of marriage. Jim farmed north of Clearfield until moving into Lenox in 2007. He was a hardworking farmer who always put his family first. He loved to take drives with his family and visit area lakes. He enjoyed cards and kolaches. Jim was a jokester with a good sense of humor. He always said that John Deere was the only kind of tractor. Jim was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church and the American Legion.
Jim passed away October 29, 2011 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Seth Thompson; two brothers, Louis and Frank Votava; two sisters, Etta Rood and Blanch Fillippi, and two brothers-in-law, Paul England and Jerry Fillippi.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Ann Votava of Lenox, Iowa; two daughters, Cathy Wood and husband Jeff of Lenox, Iowa and Lynne Maben and husband Jodie of Clearfield, Iowa; three grandchildren, Brian Wood and wife Jen of Lenox, Iowa, Evan Thompson and wife Tracy of Lenox, Iowa and Kim Wood and friend Marvin of Clearfield, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Cullen Wood and Cale Thompson; two sisters, Mary England of Clearfield, Iowa and Alice Sedlack of Omaha, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Jim Rood and wife Rose Mary of Fairfield, Iowa; sister-in-law, Jean Votava of Diagonal, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Funeral mass was held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Lenox on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, with Fr. Lazarus Kirigia officiating. Organist was Janet Venteicher and cantor was Judy Wurster. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Clearfield was in charge of the arrangements.
Casket bearers included Brian Wood, Evan Thompson, Jim Rood, Doug England, Mike Sedlack, Jerry Brown, Mark Frantz and Marvin Votava.
Military rites were by Woodside Post #97, American Legion, Clearfield, Iowa.
A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later.
Burial was at the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield.
