James Henry Van Klavern

James Henry Van Klavern, age 68, of Albia, and formerly of Ottumwa died, Friday evening, April 24, 2009, at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa. James Henry was born on September 27, 1940, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to James Harold and Frances LaRue (Gorman) Van Klavern. He was the younger of two siblings. James graduated from the Ottumwa High School in 1959. After graduation Jim served in the United States Air Force. He served in Bermuda and the Kelly Air Force Base in Texas from July 15, 1959 to July 12, 1963. He served in the airplane maintenance field. In 1965, after Jim's military service he began working for John Deere Ottumwa Works. He worked various jobs during his career. Jim also enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushrooming, and later gambling, restaurants, and the company of his dogs Jenny and Pup. He was also a member of the First Christian Church in Albia, farmed in the 1970's, and a member of the American Legion, Howard Cessna Post #136. After 30 years of service, working for John Deere, he retired from the inspections department on February 1, 1995.. In 1967 Jim moved from Ottumwa to Albia. In May of 1967 James married Judy Sample. They were married for 22 years and raised four children, Paul, Pat, Judith, and James. Jim is survived by his four children and their families, Paul Van Klavern (Lisa) of Tipton, Pat Van Klavern of Albia, Judith Murphy (Bill) of Albia, James Van Klavern (Carolyn) also of Albia; seven grandchildren, Josh Allen, Morgan Van Klavern, Ellen Van Klavern, Joseph Clayton, Melissa Van Klavern, Jordan Clayton, and David Van Klavern. Jim is also survived by one sister, Marsha Woolums (Jim) of Rochester, MN, and two nephews Greg Woolums (Wendy) also of Rochester, and Eric Woolums (Jan) of Green Bay, WI. Jim's parents, James Harold and Frances LaRue; and his niece, Valerie Renee Woolums precede him in death. James' funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the Winfield Funeral Home in Albia with Rev. Lynda Carlson officiating. Military Rites provided by the American Legion, Howard Cessna Post #136 will be held following the funeral service. Visitation for Jim will begin after 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 27, 2009, also at the Winfield Funeral Home. Jim's family will be greeting friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday evening.

James Henry Van Klavern

September 27, 1940 - April 24, 2009