James “Jim” Staver, 84, of Spirit Lake, formerly of Cherokee, entered eternal rest with Christ on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in hospice care at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville. He battled different health issues for the last few years bravely and without complaints.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, July 6, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Burial was held in St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
He was born Nov. 15, 1941, to Aloysious (Pete) and Ellen Staver. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and attended Loras and Buena Vista colleges.
He was an engaged community member including past president of the Cherokee Jaycees, Kiwanis and Red Cross. He served as Justice of the Peace and other county level political offices. He was a board member of the Cherokee Library Board, Little Sioux Wildlife Association, Immaculate Conception Church and taught confirmation classes and served as a lector at Cherokee and Spirit Lake churches. He obtained a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed an active role in the Cherokee Community Theatre as well.
Jim was spontaneous and witty, making others feel welcome and happy with his jokes, singing and sayings. Laughter often followed in his wake.
He married Janet Lehnholf in 1968. Jim worked in the car industry and frequently said “I help people buy cars intelligently.” He also served as an “adolescent transportation specialist,” aka he drove a school bus for over 20 years.
He enjoyed camping, motorcycles and the Iowa Great Lakes all while grilling or making a great pork loin to be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerry and Paul; and sisters: Corrine, Joyce and Jocille.
He is survived by his loving wife Janet and three children: Cathy of Spirit Lake; Susy and husband Mike of Ankeny; and Matthew and wife Stephanie of Ankeny; grandchildren: Kaitlyn and John O’Neal and Dawson Kuker of Spirit Lake; Emma and Will Treadway of Nashville, Tenn.; and Jack McDonald of Ankeny and Elle Staver of Ankeny and great-grandson, Adam O’Neal. Surviving siblings are: Dan and Ardelle Staver of Aurelia; Dick and Barb Staver of Spirit Lake; Dean and Lolita Staver of Wichita, Kan.; Doug and Donna Staver of Plattsville, Colo.; David and Sara Staver of Twin Lakes; sister-in-law Betty Staver of Cherokee. Jim is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s name and directed to either St. Croix Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake.
