James Lee Lemon, age 79, of Keokuk, Iowa passed away in his home on the morning of July 20, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
He was born on March 10, 1944 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of James D. and Hazel A. (Kohlmorgan) Lemon and graduated from Keokuk High School in 1961. Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1963 – 1967. He retired from The Dial Corporation in 2006 after 34 years and was a member of UFCW local 617 and served many years on the union board.
On February 5, 1962, he was united in marriage to Sharon Marvin in Kahoka, MO. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2022 with many friends and family. Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and true friend to those who knew him – the shop door was always open for a cold beer and some good advice.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; his children, Terry (Dr. Juliene) Lemon, Mark (Leslie) Lemon, and Dena (Dr. Rick) Greenfield; his grandchildren, Whitney (Michael) Cox, Brooke (Zachary) Walters, Tyler James (Hannah) Lemon, James Tanner Lemon, Taylor (AJ) Swan, Dr. Jordan (Brad) Hamilton, and Garrett James Greenfield; his great- grandchildren, Lincoln James and Jozie Walters, Lily Lemon, and future baby Swan; his sisters Judith (Kenneth) Martinez and Mary Lantz.
Jim enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, the great outdoors, and working with his hands. His great-grandchildren lovingly referred to him as Papa Moo. We will miss him for the rest of our lives.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor John Abraham officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.
Memorials may be made to Shriners or to the Melrose Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
