James H. Macumber

James Harold, son of George E. and Elenora Cecile Caroline (Grage) Macumber, was born April 2, 1934 in Manilla, Iowa. He attended Manilla schools graduating with the Class of 1953. After completing his schooling Jim worked at Grage Elevator. He also worked as a feed grinder for Harold Olson. Jim received his draft notice for the United States Army on December 15, 1956 one day before his marriage to Rosalie Siemer on December 16, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. After their honeymoon, they returned home to Manilla. Jim left for basic training at Fort Ord, California and in April of 1957 Jim returned to Manilla to get his wife who went with him to Ft. Rucker, Alabama where Jim was enrolled in helicopter maintenance school. They were then stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, near Washington, DC where Jim earned his position as Crew Chief. He got to fly to the White House grounds during the Eisenhower administration. Their first son was born just before returning to Manilla after Jim's honorable discharge from the Army. The family made their home in Manilla where two more children were born. He drove truck for Floyd Grage and worked for Frank Macumber at Manilla Hardware. In 1970 Jim began his 27-year career with Manilla Municipal Utilities, eventually becoming Superintendent in 1974. He retired in 1997. During their first years back in Manilla they had cattle behind their home at the edge of town and ground the corn that they grew for feed. Over the years Jim spent a lot of time in his garden. He was known to be able to fix about anything with moving parts. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing with his family. He also donated his time for 10 years with Crawford County veterans, driving them to doctor's appointments at the VA Hospital in Omaha. He also served as a volunteer fireman in Manilla for 37 years and was a Trustee at Trinity Lutheran Church. Above all, he and Rosalie enjoyed their Airstream trailer. They traveled all over the United States and even made it into Canada. They are members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International Unit and the North Iowa Unit. Jim died suddenly and unexpectedly as the result of an automobile accident on November 5, 2014 near Dunlap, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Sharon K. Macumber right after her birth; brother Frank Macumber; sister Marge Ashcraft (Roy); and brothers in law Lyle Vollstedt and Eldon Pickerel. Jim is survived by his wife Rosalie Macumber who was severely injured in the same automobile accident; two sons Michael Macumber of Sac City and David Macumber of Manilla; grandchildren Jeremia and his wife Elaine and Sydney Macumber; siblings Vera Vollstedt of Manilla and Beulah Pickerel of Manchester, MO and Glen Macumber (Chris) of Manilla; sister in law Ann Macumber of Manilla; Rosalie's family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Reverend Ross Fritz, Officiating Music "How Great Thou Art" "Amazing Grace" "In The Garden" Congregation Carlys Stribe,Accompanist "True Love" "Could I Have This Dance" Recordings Casket Bearers Jeremia Macumber Justin Siemer Jason Nemitz Shane Miller Ed Maxwell Bob Macumber