Funeral Mass for James “Jim” Cuddy, 93 of Jefferson will be 10:30 am Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson.  Visitation will begin after 1:00 pm Monday, May 25, 2009 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  A Vigil Service will follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Jefferson.

James Fredrick Cuddy, 93, of Jefferson, Iowa, passed away at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson on Friday, May 22, 2009.

Jim was born on March 23, 1916, in Cooper, Iowa, to Hannah and Fredrick Cuddy. He went to grade school in Cooper, then attended college at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where he played baseball and was a four year letterman on the basketball team. He served in the US Navy as Lieutenant JG communications officer attached to the Halsey fleet in the Pacific theatre during World War II.

Jim returned to Jefferson and married Lorna Seeden on June 17, 1946. Jim was a teacher, coach, and principal. Jim then moved into a career in public service, employed at the Office of Economic Opportunity in Carroll. He retired in 1988.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jim enjoyed watching all sports, golfing, reading, and his many family gatherings.

Along with his wife of 63 years, Lorna, he is survived by his sons Dick Cuddy and his wife Marge of Ankeny, Craig Cuddy of Jefferson, Steve Cuddy and his wife Kathy of Chicago, Illinois, Mark Cuddy and his wife Kitty Sheehan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joe Cuddy and his wife Susy of Northfield, Minnesota. James is survived by nine grandchildren, Trent (Kele) Cuddy, Chad (Becky) Cuddy, Jena (Jim) Cuddy Stepien, Melissa Cuddy, Zeke Cuddy, Kyle Cuddy, Cooper Cuddy, Hannah Cuddy, and Jack Cuddy; four step grandchildren, Abby Fellingham, Kristin (Jack) Byers, Brad (Cindy) Fellingham and Natalie Reppa.  He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Grace Cuddy, Adeline Stepien and Morgan Cuddy.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Annabelle Day, Agnes Phillips, Raymond Cuddy, Cecilia Raaz, and Helen Rooney.