James B. Sheeley, 96, Austin
Published 10:38 am Friday, August 2, 2013
James B. Sheeley, 96, of Austin, Minn., died peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Cedars of Austin Memory Care.
James Sheeley
Jim was born June 17, 1917, in Rose Hill, Iowa, to Ernest and Pearl Sheeley. He grew up in Austin and attended Lincoln School. On Jan. 16, 1936, he married Mary Twedell of Austin, a joyous marriage that lasted 60 years. Mary’s life journey ended in 1995.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, riding his Indian motorcycle and also was an avid fisherman and hunter. Fishing and hunting trips took him out West, to Northern Minnesota and Canada. He tried to catch all and the biggest fish in Minnesota and particularly Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minn., where they had a summer home for many years. Jim also enjoyed gardening and volunteered at the Austin Senior Center for 10 years in the kitchen.
Jim joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and after serving his country, came back to his job at Hormel, where he worked for 43 years. He then acquired a Free Show business which he spent six nights a week bringing the movies to several smaller towns in Southern Minnesota in the late 40s and early 50s.
Jim was a member of the Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Jim Butler, Austin; three grandchildren, Scott Butler, Burnsville, Minn., Julie Butler, Chisago City, Minn., Teri Butler, Eagan, Minn.; three great-grandsons, Tim and Sally Butler, Mark Butler, Brett and Jenny Butler; two great-great-grandsons, Noah and Cooper Butler; sister, Florence VonFeldt, Austin; brother, Darrell and Janet Sheeley, Wabasha, Minn.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith, Austin; brother-in-law, Ted Getchell, Austin.
In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Lois, Mickey and Beverly; a brother, Raymond.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Cedars, who made Jim’s time there pleasant and comfortable, and to the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospice who were there for Jim and his family in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com