James F. Sylvester

James F. Sylvester

James F. Sylvester, 83, of rural Webster City, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the Southfield Wellness Community after a 5 year battle with multiple myeloma.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Asbury United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Wilson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.  Bruce-Graham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be left to help establish a memorial garden at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.

James was born February 13, 1928 in Webster City, Iowa the son of Thomas J. and Myra (Miller) Sylvester.  He attended school in the rural area East of Webster City and graduated from Woolstock High School in 1946.  Jim was a Mess Sergeant in the Iowa National Guard in Webster City for 17 years.

James was united in marriage to Barbara Graham on March 25, 1959 at the Asbury United Methodist Church.  Together they farmed in Cass Township from 1960-1990.  James was a Hamilton County Supervisor from Jan. of 1977 to Dec. of 1984.  He was also employed by Shoppers Supply.  Earlier he worked as a pressman at Hahne Printing Co. for 20 years.  He was active in the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa, where he served as District 6 Director, President of the local Town and Country Garden Club and ran the Meeting Place at the Iowa State Fair for 10 years.  He was a Master Gardener.  He was assistant Flower Show Superintendent at the Hamilton County Fair for several years.  James was the President of the Cass Electric Cooperative Light Line for 50 years, retiring in 2010.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara and daughter Amber at home, Holly Myers (Tim Mortenson) of Webster City, son Kory (Susan) of Los Alamos, New Mexico, foster son, John (Allie) Helton of Ames, brother Guy Sylvester of Webster City, sister in law, Wilma Sylvester of Sioux City, three grandsons, Jamie Myers of Webster City, Max and Sylar Sylvester of Los Alamos, New Mexico, three foster grandchildren, Ryan, Kelsey and Cody Helton of Ames, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, son, James F. Sylvester, Jr., one brother, Robert Sylvester, one sister in law, Beverly Sylvester, his step mother, Mayme Sylvester, and several aunts and uncles.  He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. 

Fort Dodge Area Funeral & Cremation Service, Bruce Funeral Home