James Ray Kendall

James Ray Kendall, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at the Bickford Care Center, in Marion. Memorial Christian Mass: 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, St. Matthew Catholic Parish in Cedar Rapids. Father Douglas Loecke will officiate. Visitation: 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, at the church. Burial will take place in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Military rites will be rendered at the cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Cedar Rapids is caring for the family. James Ray Kendall is survived by wife, Theresa; daughter, Eugenia Kendall (Bill Pitka); two brothers and sisters-in-law, Danial (Sheri) Kendall, Richard (Mary) Kendall; and numerous other relatives and friends. James was born Dec. 9, 1944, the son of Leo and Charlotte in Castana, Iowa. He grew up in Toledo. Jim was the oldest of three boys. He graduated from South Tama High School in 1963. Jim remained close with his childhood friends, throughout his entire life. He enjoyed getting together with them for a monthly "boys’ night out," where they played pool together. James was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served four years, achieving the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. James received an honorable discharge. He worked for the State of Iowa, five years as a surveyor, and, at the U. S. Postal Service, in Cedar Rapids, for 28 years. Jim retired as Superintendent of Mails from the U.S. Post Office. Jim met his wife Theresa while working at the Post Office. They have been married 47 years. After retirement, he worked at the Airport Shuttle for eight years and retired in November of 2018. James loved driving his car, reading books, playing cards, watching Westerns, and spending time with his family and friends. James was a kind and generous husband, father, brother, and friend. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Charlotte. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at Bickford of Marion and Gentiva Hospice. A memorial fund has been established in James’ name and may be directed to the family. Please share your support and memories of James on his Tribute Wall, at www.stewartbaxter.com, under obituaries.