James Alvin Conrad

James Alvin Conrad, 76, Bennett, passed away May 26, 2016 at Genesis East Hospital. Friends and family may gather to pay their respects Tuesday, May 31 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Fry Funeral Home. There will be a Masonic service to conclude the visitation at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 1, 10:30 am, Peace Church, Bennett, Iowa. Burial and Graveside service will be held at Inland Cemetery, Bennett. Coony had requested casual attire for his services. Memorials in Jim's honor may be directed to his family. On April 9, 1940, Jim was born to Veno and Antonietta Conrad in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Bennett School and graduated with the class of 1958. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965. He was united in marriage to Gloria Kay Jorgenson on January 11, 1964.Together they raised their 4 children in Bennett: Craig, Kristy, Kelly and Lee. Jim's years of employment after the Army consisted of 12 years as a self-employed electrician, 10 years at Oscar Meyer and 18 years at Northstar Steel where he retired from in 1992. Jim was a past Master of Cedar Lodge #11, Tipton, Iowa, member of Bennett American Legion and served 1 year as commander, 30 years on the Bennett Volunteer Fire Department and a member of Peace Church of Christ. Jim loved to spend time with his family, hunting and fishing with his sons, camping and spending time out in their timber, cutting wood and readying for the approaching winters. Jim is survived by his wife, Gloria; four children, Craig (JoAnn) Conrad of Muscatine, Kristy (Larry) Thornburg of Colona, IL, Kelly (Nick Gingerich) Conrad of Bennett, Lee (Tammy Montgomery) Conrad of Bennett; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 6 step-grandchildren; 11 step great-grandchildren and puppy dog, Jax. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Catherine Conrad.