James M. Devine, Sr.

James M. Devine, Sr., 86, of Corwith passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial for James Devine will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street South East, in Britt with Father Dennis Miller officiating.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Corwith.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt with a Rosary service beginning at 4:30 PM.

Jim was born to Steve and Susan Devine on November 17, 1926 in Algona, IA.  When he was 12 years old, the Devine family moved to a farm in Corwith.  He graduated from Corwith High School in 1944.

Jim met Cathrine Cosgriff when they were involved with RYP (Rural Young People) where Jim was the treasurer and Catherine was the president.  It was during this time that Jim was called to serve his Country in the Korean War in 1950.  He served for 18 months in the Army Headquarters posting maps.

When Jim was discharged from the Army in November 1952, he was reunited with Catherine and a short time later, Jim proposed in December 1952.  On Valentine’s Day, 1953, Jim and Catherine were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corwith, Iowa.

To this union, three sons were welcomed.  Jim Jr., Tom and Dave were all introduced to farming at an early age and when old enough, helped their dad with the daily chores that farm life included.

When chores were done, dad (Jim) loved spending time with his family in a different way.  He was an avid sports fan his entire life, with a deep fondness for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs, but he enjoyed watching and discussing any game that happened to be on T.V.  On rainy days, dad, his brothers Maurice and Steve and sons, Jim Jr. and Tom would escape to Minnesota for a Twins game.  Lifelong memories were etched into every game attended and Jim Jr. and Tom will always remember the car rides to the Twin cities.

Later in life, Grandpa Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; Rachel, Christopher, and Timothy.  Summer vacations were spent on the Devine farm, following grandpa in the field or going to town for a bottle of pop at Welter’s gas station with grandpa’s famous St. Bernard dogs in the bed of his truck.  Town visits with grandkids always meant grandpa would tell stories to anybody within earshot, about how wonderful Rachel Ann, C.T. or T.J. Buddy were.  Special bonds were formed with each grandchild, and grandpa will be forever missed by each of them.

Left to cherish his memory are: his beloved wife Catherine, Sons: Jim (Deb), Tom (Renee), and Dave.  Also left to fondly remember tractor rides and the farm are grandchildren Rachel (Jerod), Christopher (Julie) and Timothy (Susan) and great-grandchildren Haydon and Hunter Storck, Kenzie and Madison Devine and Jared, Jonas and Jesse Hutson.

Jim/Dad/Grandpa/Big Poppa touched many lives and will be missed by all.