James L. Seitz, 88, of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 9:45 AM at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
He was born on October 5, 1936 on a farm in McDonough County, IL to Ray and Ethel Mae Dorothy Seitz. James went to school at “Frog Pond” a one room schoolhouse near the family farm. When the school closed, he attended schools in Adair and Macomb Senior High School where he graduated in 1954. He attended Gem City Business School before entering the US Army in 1959. He served as Commanding Chief with the 10th Engineering Battalion on Germany during the Berlin Crisis and was honorably discharged in 1962. On May 26, 1962 he married Judy Runkle in Industry, IL and she passed away on August 19, 2021.
He worked several jobs after high school and also played in a country music band. In 1966 he began in the office at JI Case, then Gleason Corp in Ft. Madison and in 1972 began at Exide Corp as a personnel officer where he retired from in January of 2002. Jim attended the First Baptist Church. He and Judy enjoyed traveling and going to gospel and bluegrass shows throughout the Midwest and south. He enjoyed golfing and was a Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Rams fan.
Survivors include one son, Jim Seitz of Ft. Madison; sisters in law, Pat Runkle of Sturgeon, MO and Donna (Bob) Roads of Jacksonville, IL; brother-in-law, Steve (Shelley) Runkle of Peyton, CO; nieces and nephews, Allison, Craig, Melissa, Jennifer, Daniel, and Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Ruth Sharon, brother in law, Bennie, nieces Michelle and Marilyn and a nephew, Mike.
Per his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will meet with friends from 10AM-11 AM Thursday, May 1, 2025 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM with Pastor Steve Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Soldiers’ Circle, Oakland Cemetery with military rites.
A memorial has been established in his memory and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
