James Anthony Goeser
August 8, 1940 — July 3, 2017
James (Jim) Anthony Goeser was born in Defiance, Iowa to Bruno and Mildred (Weiland) Goeser on August 8, 1940. He left this world on July 3, 2017, at the age of 76 years, 10 months, and 25 days. Family-first, faith, hard work, leadership, generosity, and humility were among Jim’s finest qualities.
Jim began working at the Defiance Locker when he was just 14 years old. He graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Defiance in 1958. At the age of 20, Jim bought the Defiance Locker and changed the name to Jim’s Market and Locker.
On December 2, 1961, Jim married Janet Mitzel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla. To this union, four children were born: Christopher, Cari, Jay, and Jeffrey. In their 55 ½ years of marriage, Jim and Jan glided across many dance floors, led a successful business, raised outstanding children, doted on grandchildren, delighted in great-grandchildren, and walked countless miles together - literally and figuratively.
In 1965, the Goeser family moved from Defiance to Harlan and added another business, “Jim’s Wholesale Meats.” Eventually, Jim sold the Defiance business and expanded Harlan operations. He gave not only his children, but also many other young people, their first jobs. Jim sold the business in 2008 and retired in 2009.
While never seeking accolades, many were given to Jim, including, “1977 Harlan Citizen of the Year,” for his tireless efforts establishing the Harlan Little League Baseball Program. He served as president of the Iowa Meat Processors Association and always made time to give back to Harlan, volunteering in positions with the Harlan Chamber of Commerce, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Harlan Industrial Foundation, and the Harlan Parks and Recreation.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Chris; granddaughters Alexi Goeser and Katie Kernes; and beloved brothers Paul and Frank Goeser.
Survivors include his wife, Jan Goeser; daughter Cari (Glenn) Kernes of Overland Park, Kansas; son Jay (Mary Beth) Goeser of Norwalk, Iowa; son Jeff (Chris) Goeser of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter-in-law Holly Naramore of Bauxite, Arkansas; seven grandchildren and one step-grandson; three great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren; siblings Edward (Marilyn) Goeser, Leo (Janie) Goeser, John Goeser, Mary Griffin, Theresa (Lawrence) Fedewa, Alice Goeser, and Larry Goeser; and sisters-in-law Debbie Goeser and Mary Lou Goeser; and other friends and family.
Jim loved quietly and gave generously to his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and community. Make a little noise the next time you watch the Yankees, the Cyclones, and the Packers. He’ll be cheering with you.
Jim began working at the Defiance Locker when he was just 14 years old. He graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Defiance in 1958. At the age of 20, Jim bought the Defiance Locker and changed the name to Jim’s Market and Locker.
On December 2, 1961, Jim married Janet Mitzel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla. To this union, four children were born: Christopher, Cari, Jay, and Jeffrey. In their 55 ½ years of marriage, Jim and Jan glided across many dance floors, led a successful business, raised outstanding children, doted on grandchildren, delighted in great-grandchildren, and walked countless miles together - literally and figuratively.
In 1965, the Goeser family moved from Defiance to Harlan and added another business, “Jim’s Wholesale Meats.” Eventually, Jim sold the Defiance business and expanded Harlan operations. He gave not only his children, but also many other young people, their first jobs. Jim sold the business in 2008 and retired in 2009.
While never seeking accolades, many were given to Jim, including, “1977 Harlan Citizen of the Year,” for his tireless efforts establishing the Harlan Little League Baseball Program. He served as president of the Iowa Meat Processors Association and always made time to give back to Harlan, volunteering in positions with the Harlan Chamber of Commerce, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Harlan Industrial Foundation, and the Harlan Parks and Recreation.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Chris; granddaughters Alexi Goeser and Katie Kernes; and beloved brothers Paul and Frank Goeser.
Survivors include his wife, Jan Goeser; daughter Cari (Glenn) Kernes of Overland Park, Kansas; son Jay (Mary Beth) Goeser of Norwalk, Iowa; son Jeff (Chris) Goeser of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter-in-law Holly Naramore of Bauxite, Arkansas; seven grandchildren and one step-grandson; three great-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren; siblings Edward (Marilyn) Goeser, Leo (Janie) Goeser, John Goeser, Mary Griffin, Theresa (Lawrence) Fedewa, Alice Goeser, and Larry Goeser; and sisters-in-law Debbie Goeser and Mary Lou Goeser; and other friends and family.
Jim loved quietly and gave generously to his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and community. Make a little noise the next time you watch the Yankees, the Cyclones, and the Packers. He’ll be cheering with you.
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