James "Jim" Charles Posz (75) died Friday, January 9, 2026 of complications due to heart disease in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born in Gary, Indiana on July 31, 1950, to parents Mabel (Kent) and Charles Posz.  He pursued a degree in psychology at Iowa Wesleyan University and later obtained his master's in social work from the University of Missouri.

During his high school years, he met Betty Jean Romig in high school choir. They married in Gary, Indiana at Marquette Methodist Church on May 27, 1972. Jim and Betty settled in Fort Madison, Iowa, where they raised their two sons.  The four of them enjoyed music and participated in choir and played handbells at Fort Madison United Methodist Church.  Jim's musical talents extended to community groups, where he sang with River City Singers and the Gospel Geezer Quartet.  He also enjoyed drama and acted in plays with the Old Fort Players and the Keokuk Great River Players.

Jim contributed to his church in many capacities, holding roles on nearly every board and committee, as well as serving on the UMC District Parsonage Committee and the UMC District Board of Church Location and Building.  Jim functioned as a Certified Lay Servant since 1995, leading worship and delivering occasional sermons.

Jim was passionate about ensuring the health and safety of children and adults, which was evident in his work. He began his career at the Iowa Department of Human Services, specializing in children's services, and later served in a supervisory role. He then worked as the Central Point Coordinator (CPC) for Lee County, securing mental healthcare for its citizens. Jim manifested his expertise in health and human services in some of his volunteer roles. He served on the Foster Care Review Board and was a member of the Lee County Youth Services Board.

Jim and Betty were passionate about travel and took their family on the road annually. Their favorite pastime was pulling their camper, and during their retirement, they worked on several projects rebuilding devastated areas all over the United States through the organization, Methodist NOMADS (Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service).

Everyone who met Jim knew he loved to tinker. He owned several rental properties and was often found working on one of them. His interest in working with tools was also evident in his volunteer work. He was active in Carpenter's Hands at his church, working on home repair in the community. He also believed in the beautification of his community, which prompted his membership in Fort Madison SMID.

Jim had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed a good pun or dad joke. His catch phrase, "the interesting thing is," signaled to his family and friends that he was about to tell what they lovingly termed "shaggy dog stories."  Jim will always be remembered as someone who loved his family and gave generously to his community. His love, warmth, and generosity will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; their two sons: Allen (Marsha) Posz, of Columbia, Missouri and David (Darcie) Posz, of Washington, DC; one sister Anne (David) Maclure, of San Antonio, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life service will be held at Fort Madison United Methodist Church, 510-9th Street on Wednesday, January 21, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

Friends and family may contribute memorial gifts to: Fort Madison United Methodist Church, Methodist NOMADS or PAW.  Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Posz family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.