James Arthur Noneman

 James Arthur Noneman was born in Longmont, Colorado on February 27, 1932, to Charles Arthur (Art) Noneman and Mary Ventice (Hillman) Noneman. Jim's love of trapping began at an early age when he was introduced to trapping by a childhood friend. At age 12, Jim would sneak out of his house to pursue his hobby. He even studied taxidermy through an online course.

 Jim met the love of his life, Mary Lou Stroeh at a square dance in 1953. He realized she was the one he wanted to spend his life with and proposed to her in August of 1954 at Mason's Beach where they first met. Jim was working nights at the General Motors factory in Defiance, Ohio but he longed to make a change and return to Colorado where he had been born and raised. Jim attended Colorado State University and majored in Science and Physical Education.

 At the time, the United States was in the Korean War and there was a mandatory draft. Jim was only weeks away from the draft and due to entering college, was re-classified with the student exemption. He entered the ROTC program which would make him an officer (2nd lieutenant) in the US Army Artillery upon his graduation. Jim reported to the draft board in Greely, Colorado to advise them of his student and ROTC status. He spent his first quarter at college and returned over Christmas break for their wedding.

 Jim and Mary Lou Stroeh were married in Paulding, Ohio. Their wedding was held at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish on December 27, 1954. Shortly after, they boarded a train for Chicago to spend the night. They continued to Colorado by train, traveling all night to the Platteville, CO station. Jim said he would always remember the beauty of that second day of married life as they approached the train station and stepped out to view the mountains to the West. It was a beautiful sunny day with no wind, but very cold, around - 20 degrees and their old 1948 Ford wouldn't run. They finally got it started with some help and headed west to Fort Collins and their new home. The rented room they lived in for a month wasn't very pleasing, but they had each other. They soon found better accommodations when Mary Lou began working at a local bank.

 Though they planned to wait a few years to start their family, a couple months later, their first baby was on the way. This made life a little more challenging with Jim in college, but what a blessing! Gary Robert was born on October 8, 1955. Jim and Mary Lou later moved to Springview, Nebraska so Jim could take a teaching and coaching job. While living in Springview, they welcomed their second child, Kimberly Ann, on September 17, 1960.

 In 1966, the family moved to Logan, Iowa where they have remained. Jim worked in Logan as a high school teacher of Biology and Physical Science. He also coached track and basketball and Mary Lou worked at the Herald Observer newspaper.

 Jim continued his love of hunting and trapping all his life and he and Mary enjoyed fishing together. Jim's adventures even included raising emus, rheas and mink. He was a member of the Iowa Trappers Association for many years and the director for four counties in Iowa. Jim was inducted as the 26th member of the Iowa Trappers Hall of Fame and attended meetings and conventions with several family members. Jim shared his experiences and gave trapping demonstrations at the Harrison County Welcome Center and local events. He loved running road races into his 70's and trading stocks. Jim and Mary Lou were involved members of the Logan United Methodist Church and at age 92, he even sang in the summer church choir with his daughter Kim. This was a new and fun experience, and he enjoyed telling people how his teacher asked him to leave school choir as a young man.

 Jim was devoted to Mary Lou, and he enjoyed surprising her with trips to Alaska and Hawaii, bowling together and attending auctions. He enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren, following them in sports and attending their graduations. He also enjoyed the challenge of living to be the oldest Noneman in his family, which he accomplished in August of 2025.

 Jim passed into eternal life on August 27, 2025, at Azria Health Rose Vista at the age of 93 years and six months.

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 68 years, Mary Lou; brother, Charles Herbert Noneman; and grandson, Christopher Noneman. He is survived by children, Gary Noneman and his wife Janice and Kimberly and her husband Scott Fisher; eight grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Breedlove; and many extended family and friends.

 Jim was loved and will be remembered and missed by his family, friends and the many students he taught and coached over the years.

Memorial donations may be made to the Logan United Methodist Church, the Logan Fire and Rescue Association or the National Trappers Association.