James Lyle Emerson

James "Jim" Lyle Emerson, son of Clifford and Marie Horn Emerson, was born on August 23, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa. Jim graduated from Springdale High School in 1955 at the age of 16. He worked part time until he turned 18 and then started college. The heavy schedule of working and school put a severe strain on his eyes and he had to give up his plan to become a history teacher. He worked several years for Wendling Quarries, starting as a driver and ended up being their bookkeeper. He was, for a time, working out of the office in Cedar Rapids and then back to the office in Wilton. He never married but had a positive influence in the lives of several local young people. He was a member of the Rochester United Methodist Church and was it's treasurer for several years. Jim is survived by his mother, Marie Emerson, of Rochester; sisters, M. Maxine (De Wayne) Miller of Atalissa, Iowa, "Special Sister" Jean (Jim) Darrell of Los Angeles, California; brothers, Ronald (Sherry) Emerson of Camanche, Iowa and Glen (Brenda) Emerson of Clarksville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, niece (Tamra Emerson Habash), sister-in-law (Carol Ann Doeher Emerson) and brother-in-law (DeWayne R. Miller). A memorial fund has been established in his memory. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 21 at 10:30 am, Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, with the Rev Norman Anderson, officiating. Burial will follow in the West Branch City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 - 7 pm at Fry Funeral Home. Organist will be Sharon Stiff and vocalist will be Avery Wills. Pallbearers are Wayne Behrens, Jerry Wood, Leland Gritton, Gaylon Wiese, Loren Gritton, and Rick Gritton. Honorary pallbearers are Bryon Hansen, Steve Gritton, Jim Darrell, Jimmy Darrell, Mike Rocca, D. J. Dallege, Don Hennings, Sr. and Marlin Christian.