July 21, 1936 — December 4, 2025
Richard C. James, 89, formerly of Mason City, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Covington Care Center, Covington, TN. Richard and Marilynn have been reunited, and are hand in hand again as they had been throughout their 68 years of marriage, they built a life together centered on love, family, and faith. A private graveside service will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Dick was a respected funeral director and the second-generation owner of the family business, Patterson James Funeral Home in Mason City, IA; he cared for his community with dedication and professionalism until his retirement in the mid 1980’s. His commitment to service left a lasting mark on many families during life’s most tender moments. Lynn was the heart of the home, kept everything going, and together they made a formidable team, supporting each other through every joy and challenge with grace and humor. Dick and Lynn’s greatest joy came from their family—proud parents, loving grandparents and adoring great grandparents, they were always present at school plays, holidays, and everyday moments.
They are survived by their three children; Michael James; his son Jonathan M. (Elizabeth K.) James; Julie (Dale) Reineke, her daughter Kelly Jo; Lori (Bill) Short her son Ryan M. Short; six great grandchildren.
They were preceded in death by their daughter, Cindi James 1993, and both of their parents.
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