James E. Bethany, age 87, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Dan Faugstad officiating. Burial will be in Jerico Lutheran Cemetery at Jerico, IA at a later date. Military service provided by New Hampton American Legion Post # 38.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 3, 2017 at… Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, IA and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. Online condolences for Jim’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

James Edward Bethany was born on January 21, 1930 to William and Ethel (Norman) Bethany in
El Paso, TX. He attended school at Boy’s Town in Omaha, NE where he graduated from high school. Jim entered the US Navy in January 25, 1947. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in February 3, 1950 he moved back to Omaha where he apprenticed as a carpet installer.

Jim was united in marriage to Edna Nystel on August 8, 1954 at Jerico Lutheran Church in Jerico. The couple made their home in New Hampton where they raised their two children. Jim was self employed as a carpet installer retiring in 2012.

Jim enjoyed NASCAR, dirt track racing, and spending time with his dog Angel. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Edna Bethany; his children, Ron (Connie) Bethany of New Hampton and Sandra (Ron) Fallis of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren Megan (Lee) Conner of Dubuque, IA, Shane Bethany of Cedar Falls, IA, Chase Bethany of New Hampton, Samantha Fallis of Scottsdale, AZ, Jordan Fallis of Peoria, AZ, Jaden Phipps and Sierra Phipps both of Ankeny; great grandchildren, William and Camden Conner of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ethel Bethany; brother, William F. Bethany and sister, Mary Whiteley and granddaughter Tawny Bethany.