Dr. James Jim Patrick Redmond

LINKS TO VIEW LIVE-STREAM OF JIM'S FUNERAL MASS: https://www.facebook.com/holycrossparishsc/live/ https://holycrosssc.org/dr-jim-redmond-funeral-mass
Dr. James "Jim" Patrick Redmond (77) passed away after a battle with dementia on October 16, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Chicago, IL on January 22, 1945, the 3rd son of John Nicholas and Mary Isabelle (McAtee) Redmond. Four younger siblings joined the dynamic family. After growing up on the south side of Chicago and graduating from Lewis University in only 3 years, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Meyer. Jim and Barb continued their education at Purdue University while they added 3 children - Cecilia, Mary Pat, and Jim - to their family. Jim received his PhD in English Literature. He then taught at Murray State University before joining the faculty at Briar Cliff College in 1976.
Jim was a true Renaissance man who enjoyed the arts, sports and travel. He was a beloved teacher of English, serving as Chair of the English Department and participating actively in school functions for over 30 years.
His teaching and guidance also extended to his children. He encouraged their curiosity and took them hiking, camping, golfing, biking and traveling (both domestic and international) every summer. He loved music and never passed up the chance to dance. He was always quick to volunteer when parent coaches were needed. He coached soccer, baseball and Future Problem Solvers.
He enjoyed every day to the fullest and frequently scheduled more activities than it was possible to do. Although he had sight in only 1 eye, he never let that slow him down. He played basketball and went on RAGBRAI several years.
God must have known of Jim's love for raising kids because just as they were getting ready to be empty-nesters, another son, Michael, was born to the family, evening the count to two boys and two girls. The coaching, teaching and traveling continued.
Soon after, Jim and Barb began to welcome grandchildren into the family. Lots of fun was had at the Lake Arrowhead summer home with extended family and friends. Jim always enjoyed adventure and was known for being the one to schedule multiple activities (more than could be accomplished in 1 day)–hiking, biking, golfing, canoeing and swimming, even the Arrowhead Olympics. Campfires and long nights of playing games invigorated him.
Jim's love of nature was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He wanted to secure the environment for the enjoyment of all. He was an active member of the Sierra Club, serving as Chapter Chairperson for over 20 years. He was a Sierra Club representative to the national conference -MRRIC (Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee).
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara. Children Cecilia (Andy) Norris, Mary Patricia (Jarrod) Paulsen, Jim (Angela) Redmond, and Michael (Aunum Akhter) Redmond. Grandchildren Aileen, Alec, and Carly Norris, Mia Babcock, Nicholas, Taylor and Ethan Redmond. Brothers Jack (Marcia) Redmond, Bill (Shirley Raye) Redmond, Sisters Cathy (Nick) Feltz, Betty Redmond and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward, sister Patricia, and pets Buckles, Saturn and Miles.
Visitation is Friday, Oct 21, 5 – 8 PM at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel 3220 Stone Park Blvd. in Sioux City, with a time of sharing at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 2223 Indian Hills Drive on Saturday, Oct 22, 10:30 AM. The casket will be open from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. There will be a short graveside service afterward. Light lunch will be served at the church after the burial service (approximately 1 h after mass).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Northwest Iowa Chapter Sierra Club or Briar Cliff University.