James Elsworth Dunning

December 16, 1935 - January 28, 2017

James Elsworth Dunning, age 81, of Albia, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at the Ottumwa Regional Hospital in Ottumwa. James was born on December 16, 1935, to Robert and Cordie (Covert) Dunning in Ottumwa where he grew up and attended country school. He was united in marriage to Reva Rhatigan on June 4th, 1955. Together they shared 60 years of marriage. James worked at Coca-Cola in Ottumwa for over 40 years. He loved being outdoors, doing things such as hunting, fishing, gardening, and flower gardening. He enjoyed working on cars and square dancing. His true joy in life was spending time with family and friends. James is survived by his wife, Reva Dunning of Albia; 3 children, Jim Dunning of Avery, William (Amy) Dunning of Mitchellville, and Scott (Gina) Dunning of Avery; 6 grandchildren, Darcy, Tristan, Vanessa, Brian, Jennifer, and Charles; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Cindy (Bill) Bagley of Albia and Betty (Pat) Cameron of Agency; 3 sisters-in-law, Sandy, Edna, and Marilyn; and a brother-in-law, Howard. James is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Cordie; his parents in-law, Howard Rhatigan and Raymond and Betty Jones; 3 children, Pam, Beth, and Raymond; and 6 siblings, Bud Dunning, Irene Kopp, Katie Soots, Tom Dunning, Sharon Murphy, and Bob Dunning. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow the service at Cuba Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with James’s family present to greet friends and family from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. An open memorial been established in James’s name to be determined at a later date.