James Harvey

Kingsley, Iowa – James D. Harvey, 71, of Kingsley passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013 at the Pierson United Methodist Church. Rev. Len Garrison will officiate. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Pierson, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the Johnson – Earnest Funeral Home in Kingsley. The family will be present the entire time and a prayer service is scheduled at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the church in Pierson.

James D. Harvey was born on September 14, 1942 in Sioux City, Iowa the son of Evelyn (Gilmore) and Frank Harvey Jr. He attended Pierson Consolidated School and participated in all activities until his graduation in 1961. He furthered his education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He played four years of baseball as a catcher and pitcher earning MVP two years in a row. Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics in 1965 and a teaching degree in 1966.

Jim began his teaching career in the Sutherland School District in 1966. He taught junior high mathematics and was the high school basketball coach. He married Hollyce Church of Spencer, Iowa in 1968. In 1970, he took a position in the Estherville School District where he taught 8th grade math and was the high school girls basketball coach.

In 1974, Jim retired from teaching and purchased one-half of the Vannorsdel – Law Insurance Agency in Pierson. The office was moved to Kingsley in 1979 and is presently called the Jim Harvey Agency.

In 1975, Jim’s first son, Cole was born. Three years later his son Brett was born. From that point on his sons were his life. Not only as a parent, but as a teacher, coach and friend. Jim married Faye in April of 2002. In later years he enjoyed fishing trips to northern Minnesota with his family, playing cards and golfing with family and friends.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife Faye; two sons, Cole and his wife Shelby and Brett and his wife Emily; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Bradi, Boe, Joshua, Jesse, Cal and Lilli; and one step-daughter Jill all of Kingsley, Iowa; and one brother Jerry and his wife Cheryl of Roseville, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials in Jim’s name will be directed to the Kingsley – Pierson Little League Baseball Field.