James D. Schrum

James D. Schrum, 83 of 200 E. Kirkwood St. Fairfield, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at the Ottumwa Regional Hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Family visitation will Sunday, April 4, 2010 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., with Masonic rights at 5 p.m. at the Behner Funeral Home. The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 5, 2010 at the Behner Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Due to Easter weekend, the funeral home will be open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Sunday.

James D. "Bud" Schrum was born June 3, 1926 in Murdock (Cass County), Nebraska to Nicholas Carston and Martha May Longstreth Schrum. He married Beverly Elmore on April 2, 1961 at Barhydt Chapel in Fairfield, Iowa.

James was raised in Manning, Iowa and graduated from high school in 1944. He attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and then entered into the U.S. Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in October 1946. He continued his education at Parson's College in Fairfield where he graduated in 1951 and the University of Iowa where he received a Masters in European History in 1954. Later he attended the University of Nebraska. James taught at Shenandoah High School, Parson's College and then went on to teach and coach at Packwood. He then taught at Pleasant Plain and in 1962 he taught at Fairfield Community Schools where he continued until retirement. After retirement, his love of teaching continued and he taught at Indian Hills Community College and Buena Vista.

His hobbies included trains, gardening and woodworking, which began with building their home.

James served as chairman of the Jefferson County Service Committee for many years and for 11 years eh also served on the SHIIP Program counseling Medicare recipients. He was a member of Elks Lodge #1192, American Legion 40-8 and VFW, Fairfield Clinton Masonic Lodge #15 and Fairfield Shrine Club, Davenport Consistory and KAABA Shrine and was a 32nd degree Mason.

James is survived by his wife, 1 sister, Sally Donnelly of Hills City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, 1 brother, Richard and 4 sisters, Lilah Kimes, Lois Knudsen, Verna "Honey" Gunnersons and Leona Larsen.

Memorials can be made to Heartland Humane Society or the donor's choice. Cards and memorials may be sent to 200 E. Kirkwood St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.