James "Tamey" McDanolds' Obituary
'A Life Well Lived' James McGrann McDanolds, 91, of Centerville, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, surrounded by his family. "Tamey", as he was known by his friends, was born on December 28, 1927 to Charles and Elsie (McGrann) McDanolds in Centerville. He grew up in Mystic, graduated from Mystic High School in 1945, and joined the United States Navy in 1946, where he served as an Aviation Machinist's Mate. Upon his return, he spent a few years as a local and long-distance livestock hauler, while participating in Agriculture classes made available by the G.I. Bill. In 1952, he began farming, a life's passion he maintained well after his retirement in 1993. Today, his farm remains a working family farm. In July 1949, Tamey married Olive May Tait and they had two children, Mark and Mary Jo. The couple was married for nearly 70 years and he is described as a loving husband and nurturing father by those who knew and loved him most. During his long life, Tamey traveled to Washington, D.C. and appeared at an appropriation hearing to fight for farmers' rights during the Rathbun Dam project. He belonged to the Mystic American Legion Post #340, regularly volunteered at BINGO, enjoyed years of Couples Bridge gatherings, and taught his seven grandchildren to play Pitch. He is survived by his wife, Olive, children, Mark McDanolds (Jan) and Mary Jo Fitzgerald (Doug), grandchildren: Catina Tomei (Craig), Joey McDanolds (Jessie), Melissa Belloma (Jeremy), Randy McDanolds (Jamie), Jeanette Pitts (Ryan), Dr. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Kenneth Fitzgerald (Erica), 15 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Charles and John McDanolds. Visitation will be Friday, May 3rd, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Schweizer officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Mystic. Memorials may be given to Highland Cemetery Association, Mystic First Responders or Mystic American Legion #340. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James "Tamey" McDanolds please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Highland Cemetery Green St.
Mystic, IA 52574 Visitation MAY 3. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service MAY 4. 11:00 AM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
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