Knoxville —
Memorial services for Jim Janssens, of Knoxville, were held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home with Danielle Bertrand, Celebrant. Burial, with Military Honors, followed in the Graceland Cemetery. Musical selections of “Ring of Fire” (Johnny Cash) and “When I Get Where I’m Going” (Brad Paisley) were shared.
Fernal “Jim” Janssens was born May 6, 1927 in Monroe County, the son of Omer and Adolphine (Leishean) Janssens.
He was raised in the Albia area and attended school there. Jim then enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1945-51. He was stationed in Europe and Korea before he was honorably discharged. Jim worked construction most of his life and had lived in Albia, the Quad Cities, Kissimmee, Fla., Pennsylvania and Knoxville. In addition to the construction business, Jim drove a city bus in the Quad Cities, was a maintenance manager for hotels in Florida and mowed Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. While living in Florida, Jim married his wife Karen in 1987. Jim retired in 1996, although he still helped his friend, Roy Richardson, haul grain.
In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, bowling and working in his yard. He especially enjoyed working on his space at the Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden.
Jim passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at his home at the age of 85 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Karen; son, David and seven brothers and sisters.
Those left to mourn his passing include his daughters: Penny Staley (Jim Almond) of Oskaloosa, Debbie Straight of Knoxville and Judy of Macomb, Ill.; sister, Marie Hoeksema of Pella; Grandson, Tim (Kelley) Hulgan of Knoxville; granddaughter, Joy Gutzman of North Pole, Alaska; great-grandchildren: Abegail and Hunter Hulgan and many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and friends.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Jim’s family. Online condolences may be left at BertrandFuneralHomes.com
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