Canavan

James Bernard Canavan 83, of Coon Rapids passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines on Dec. 30.

James was born September 21, 1930 in Fort Dodge to James A. Canavan and Geraldine M. (Jack) Canavan. He graduated from Paton High School in 1947. He was an avid sports fan, played high school basketball and baseball. He also played the snare drum in the Gowrie Drum and Bugle Corp. He served time in the U.S. Navy prior to working on the family farm. He moved to Texas in 1967 where he worked in the tool and dye department of T.R.W oil company for 30 years.

After retiring in 1996, he moved back to Coon Rapids to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. Jim was beloved by all his friends and family. He was known for his love of the Irish and loved to sing and recite Irish folklore. He was a prankster yet generous to all and was the life of all parties. He could put together memorable family reunions with his infamous cooking.

He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his children Elizabeth Zook of Panora, Gay Cadden (Rick) of Katy, TX, and Terry Canavan of Jefferson; sisters: Geraldine Duff of West Des Moines, and Maureen Rittgers of Gowrie; grandchildren: Emily Hachmeister of Ames, Andrew Hachmeister of Ames, Doug Louk (Trish) of Seabrook, Texas, and Billie Jo Hovick (Jon) and other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Colleen Scanlon, brother Patrick Canavan, and niece Maureen Duff Osmond.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Jan. 4 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson. Visitation was held preceding mass at the church. A private family burial will be held later in the spring of 2014 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Grand Junction.

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home of Jefferson assisted the family with arrangements, 515-386-2171, www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com