Jim Lorber

Jim Lorber, 72, of Oskaloosa passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at his home in rural Oskaloosa. Jim Joseph Lorber, son of George Joseph and Wilma Matilda Marie (Lenius) Lorber was born, June 28, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father was stationed with the Coast Guard. A job as superintendent of schools took the family to Orange City, Iowa, where Jim’s childhood and teenage years were spent. He participated in football and marched in wooden shoes in the Pride of the Dutchmen Band, as well as played the leading roles in several high school musicals. After graduating in 1962, he headed to UNI for his first year of college, while there he was active in football and wrestling. Jim enlisted in the Marines after his freshman year and went on to serve six years in the Marine Reserves. During this time he enrolled at Iowa State University. An animal allergy precluded his pre-veterinary science plans, so Jim went on to study in the arts and advertising college. During the summer of 1963, while visiting his parents in Independence, Iowa, where his father had taken a new position, Jim met his future wife, Leah Jean Hunter. It took four years of persuasion, but Leah relented, and they married September 9, 1967. A job with Production Credit Association as branch manager in Oskaloosa and Sigourney brought the couple to Oskaloosa in 1974. Jim moved to Mahaska State Bank in 1983, where he became the Vice-President in Charge of Agricultural Lending. This position was a difficult one at the time because of the farm crisis; Jim did all he could to keep his customers on their land. Real Estate was Jim’s next career venture; in 1993 he purchased Gatton Realty and worked as a broker, agent and an appraiser until his retirement in 2008. Jim truly enjoyed all of his work experiences and treasured the many life-long friends he made along the way. Jim’s passion in life was the magnificent world of nature. He and Leah purchased their current property in 1977; he built their home and made many of its furnishings. He expanded the property to include Des Moines River shoreline; he worked tirelessly to improve the timber conservation acres and planted countless numbers of trees. His land not only allowed him to hone his fishing and hunting skills but also to delve into the area of archeology. Jim found evidence on his property of Indian inhabitation dating back to the Pleistocene era. He also enjoyed hunting that perfect photo in his timber and on the many trips he took with friends and family. These excursions included an African safari and hunting and fishing in Alaska, Canada, and South Dakota. Over the last 20 years, he and Leah also took many trips to Denmark to visit friends. He worked on several committees of the Oskaloosa Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Trees Forever, the American Legion, over a 30-year member of Duck’s Unlimited and a Lifetime member of the Iowa State Archeological Society. Jim loved the out-of-doors, but his family and friends were the true treasures of his life. His irrepressible smile, hearty laugh, and twinkling eyes will be missed by many. His family includes his wife, Leah of Oskaloosa; his daughter and son-in-law, Nicolle and Greg Schippers of Adel; and his grandchildren: Cole, Zachary and Emma; two brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Susan Lorber of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their children: Amber, Derek, Adam and Joshua; and Mike and Robin Lorber of Peachtree, Georgia and their children: Michelle and Ben; and his brother-in-law and wife, Dennis and Melinda Hunter of Brandon, Iowa and their children: Danielle and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services for Jim will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel. As was his wish, Jim’s body has been cremated, and his ashes will be scattered on his beloved property. A reception will be held following the service at the American Legion. Memorial contributions can be made to Duck’s Unlimited. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online guestbook at gvlfuneralchapel.com.

Jim Lorber

February 22, 2017 - February 22, 2017