Keith (Mike) James, age 89, died August 1, 2011 at Strawberry Point Lutheran Home, in Strawberry Point, Iowa. He was born in Scott Township, Fayette County, Iowa on November 18, 1921, the son of E. Derelle and Lizzie (Lincoln) James. He graduated from Stanley High School in 1938. Keith was a long time area farmer. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He had previously served as a deacon and a trustee for the Stanley Union Church. He was active in 4-H as a leader and was in community affairs as chairman of the Farm Service Company of Maynard, the Fayette County Cattlemen and Federal Land Bank of West Union.

            On November 15, 1945 Keith was united in marriage to Helen Lava in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by his three children, Greg (Artis) James of Aurora, Iowa, Marcia (Doug) Rueber of Arlington, Iowa and Michelle (Paul) Gutowsky of Richmond, Texas; eight grandchildren, Bob (Angie) James, Jim James, Kara (Brad) Schmith, Angela (Michael) Amenta, Michael (Sarah) Rueber, Laurie Rueber, Brian and Amanda Gutowsky; five great grandchildren, Jacob James, Ben and Jenna Schmith and Vincent and Evie Amenta. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen in 2009, a brother Kenneth, a sister, Ruth Hill and his parents, E. Derelle and Lizzie

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Keith's name to Stanley Union Church or Strawberry Point Lutheran Home.

Funeral services for Keith James will be August 5, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Stanley Union Church in Stanley, Iowa with Rev. Phil Rownd officiating. Burial will be at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in rural Hazelton with full military rites led by the Aurora American Legion.

Visitation is on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church on Friday.