James Edward Cory, 80, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at home surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at The Well Covenant Church from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at The Well Covenant Church with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.
James was born on January 23, 1939, in Elkhart, IA to Allen and Pearl (Hennessy) Cory. He graduated from North Polk High School and attended business classes at AIB in Des Moines.
He was united in marriage to Barbara Craun on November 18, 1961 in Elkhart, IA. To this union they had three children, Mark, Craig, and Julie.
He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged in 1966.
James had a successful career as a Regional Sales Manager for Farwell, Osmund, and Kirk based in St. Paul, MN and followed that success by owning two hardware stores in the Des Moines area. During this time, James purchased a farm that he would tend to with his family. After selling his retail stores, he went on to serve as the Director of the Iowa Retail Hardware Association (IRHA) for eleven years. Upon retirement, he continued his love of farming until his passing.
James will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man of character and integrity. He was an avid lover of the outdoors, but found his greatest joy in being surrounded by his family in work and play.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; son, Mark, his children Michele and Michael; son, Craig (Christy) and their children James and Cole; daughter Julie (Mark) Jorgensen and their children Cory and Kara; his brothers, Bob (Lou Jean) Cory, and Jerry (Sandy) Cory; sister, Helen Burnett. James was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence "Buck", Lewis, and Michael Cory; sisters, Darlene Hamm and Patricia Harrison.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Well Covenant Church and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of James.
Online condolences and memories may be shared on James’ page at www.Ankenyfuneralhome.com.
