James Louis Starcevic

November 19, 1931 - November 15, 2017

James Louis Starcevic, age 85 of Albia, was called home Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Jim was born November 19, 1931 on the family farm in Hiteman to Joseph and Mary (Thomas) Starcevic. He attended the Albia High School and graduated with the Class of 1947 at the age of 16. Jim continued his education at the University of Iowa where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He played catcher for the Iowa Hawkeye’s baseball team and later played semi-professional baseball. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he became the 1st Lieutenant Officer in the Mediterranean serving his country during the Korean War. On April 4, 1953 he was united in marriage to Donna Clark at the United Brethren Church in Albia. To this union three children were born, Cynthia, Caren and Jean Ann. James and Donna shared 64 years of marriage together. James went to work for John Morell in Ottumwa in the Time Study Department before becoming the Administrator at the Monroe County Hospital. James also farmed since 1961 and raised Angus Cattle. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, traveling with Donna to Colorado to the Rocky Mountains, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. His real joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. James is survived by his wife Donna Starcevic of Albia; his three children, Cynthia (Chuck) Derby of Albia, Caren (Mike) Graham of Albia and Jean Ann Starcevic of Ankeny; five grandchildren, Craig James (Angela) Derby and their son Hunter, Catherine (Matthew) Bishop and their children, Ella, Isabel, Caroline and Vivianne, Carolyn (Aaron) Rachubinski and their daughter, Elizabeth, Jennifer Graham (Zach Norris) and their children, Kervin, Kameron, Braxton and Carleigh, Jill (Nathan) Van Donselaar and their children, Cailyn and Malia; a brother, Francis (Virgene) Starcevic and a sister, Dorothy Heaton. James is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; a sister and brother in law, Rose (Wendall) Bettis and their children, Wayne, Jerry, Joyce and Mary Jo; a brother and sister-in- law, George (Muriel) Starcevic and a brother-in-law, Dewayne Heaton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry and Pastor Phil Dicks co-officiating. Burial with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia and Melrose will follow the service at Oak View Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Jim’s family present from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening to greet family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.