James Lawrence Palmer was born August 27, 1923 at Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of John and Lenora (Hawkins) Palmer. On April 26, 1952, he married Rosalia A. Rung Bohnenkamp at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, West Point, Iowa. They were married for 58 years. He was a lifelong resident of the Fort Madison and West Point area. He worked at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa and retired after 40 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II and the Korean War. He was awarded five Bronze Service Stars. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point and the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of the West Point American Legion, Holtz-Geers Post #668.
At 86 years of age, James died 7:07 am Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at his home. He is survived by his wife: Rosalia Palmer, of West Point, Iowa; one daughter: Vivian Palmer, of Fort Madison, Iowa; five step-children: Susanne Perry, of Batavia, Illinois; F. David (wife Delores) Bohnenkamp, of West Chicago, Illinois; Ruth Sundberg, of Houston, Texas; Ronald (wife Christine) Bohnenkamp of Solan, Iowa; and Nancy (husband Thomas) Beattie, of Quincy, Illinois; seventeen grandchildren, thirty two great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and one step-son. The body of Mr. Palmer has been cremated. No visitation is planned. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, July 23, 2010 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, West Point, Iowa with Reverend Dennis Hoffman, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Point, Iowa. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the West Point American Legion Honor Guard, Holtz-Geers Post #668. A memorial has been established for St. Mary's Catholic Church or the West Point American Legion, Holtz-Geers Post #668.