James Wilson "Jim" Willer

LAWTON, Iowa -- James W. Willer, 76, lifelong resident of Banner Township, Lawton passed away Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital.
Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Community Presbyterian Church in Lawton, with the Rev. Cyndy Ripperger and the Rev. Jim Wilson of Glendale Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Banner Township Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of McCulloch Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Moville, Iowa. Condolences may be sent online to www.christysmith.com .
Jim was born April 30, 1934, to Carl H. and Ethel M. (Wilson) Willer, on the family farm in Banner Township. He grew up in a Christian home and cared for his fellow man. Jim was a generous man, who liked to help his neighbors in a time of need. He attended school in Lawton, graduating from Lawton High School.
He married Irene Johnson on Oct. 9, 1953, in Elk Point, S.D. The couple had four children, Connie, Scott, Becky and Kevin. Jim farmed with his father, uncle, brother and son until their deaths. Their partnership was known as Willer Brothers. Along with working the land, the farms were filled with livestock. When Jim's health became a factor, he had to give up the cattle business. He truly loved that side of his life's work. He farmed his entire life, most recently with his grandson, Casey, never really retiring. He loved being a steward of the land.
Jim was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church, having served in many offices and different positions at the church. He served on several boards including Farm Credit Services, Woodbury County Fair, Meadows Golf Club and Moville Daze. He was also active in the Tri-State Antique Tractor Club.
His hobbies included organizing tractor rides, playing cards, fishing trips, playing golf, playing with his dog, Holli, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Irene Willer of Lawton; two daughters, Connie and Mike Salviola of Sioux City and Becky and Jerry Holbrook of Dakota Dunes; a son, Scott and Kay Willer of Phillipsburg, Kan.; a sister, Carlene and Bob Davis of Sioux City; an aunt, Ruby Wilson of Lawton; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Courtney, Christopher, Jillian, Casey, Katie, Karlee, Erik, Thaine and Bradley; six great-grandchildren, Trinity, Liem, Connor, Riley, Hannah and Avery; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin L. Willer; a brother, George Willer; a sister, Ruth Simonin; and his parents, Carl and Ethel Willer.
Memorials may be directed to Tri-State Antique Tractor Club.