James Edwin Elsbury, 83, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in his Nora Springs, Iowa home.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Park Cemetery, N Wyatt Avenue, Nora Springs, IA.
James Elsbury was born on April 8, 1941, in Madison, Minnesota, to Robert and Helen (Hodge) Elsbury. He spent his early years in Madison, MN before his family relocated to Mason City, Iowa. After attending school there for a time, they later settled in Rock Falls, where he graduated from high school in 1958.
Following graduation, James proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Casa Grande from 1963 to 1970. He furthered his education at College Electronics Technical and dedicated his entire career to Eide Electronics—later known as Electronics Engineering—where he devoted 37 years before retiring.
On September 11, 1976, James married the love of his life, Kay Walker. With kindness and patience, he embraced her four children as his own, guiding them through their formative years.
James had a passion for tinkering, especially with antique radios, which he collected and meticulously restored. He was always eager to learn, particularly about WWII history, often watching documentaries in his spare time. As an avid bird watcher, he found joy in observing nature’s beauty. Before Kay’s passing, the couple loved traveling together, whether fishing, camping, or making cherished memories with their grandchildren.
Deeply committed to his community, James was an active member of the Nora Springs American Legion, where he volunteered at fish fries and local events. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Nora Springs.
James is survived by his children, Cindy Harris, Kevin Engels, Kirk (Cheryl) Engels, Kelly (Scott Knutson) Engels; grandchildren, Matt (Kristin) Engels, Ryan (Shauna) Engels, Trevor (Carly) Engels, Chad Harris, Cody Harris, Kendra (Matt) Blattner, Kiersten (Weston) Sands, Mariah (Austin Moore) Knutson, and Kayden (Lizbeth) Knutson; sister, Jan Renner; 17 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Laura Elsbury; brother-in-law, Darrel (Wanda) Walker; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kay; his parents; brothers, Bill and Don Elsbury; sister-in-law, Patty Elsbury; brothers-in-law, Kurt Renner, Dean (Marge) Walker; parents-in-law, Clair and Florence Walker and a son-in-law, Dan Harris.
The family would like to pay special thanks to Jim’s niece Becky Kirchgatter and Dean Kock for all their support as well as his caretakers Karla and Liz.
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