James Mcentaffer

James "Jim" Edwards McEntaffer, age 65, of Atlantic, Iowa, entered into rest on June 17, 2016, following a nearly two year battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on June 26, 1950, to Lawrence and Blanche McEntaffer. He was a 1968 graduate of Clarinda High School and earned his BA in Liberal Arts from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. Jim joined the Iowa National Guard in 1970 and served through 2009. He spent the vast majority of his professional career in service to the Iowa National Guard and as a civilian contractor. Jim was a humble and dedicated soldier who achieved the highest enlisted level rank of Command Sergeant Major and many top awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, and numerous others.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 22 years, Elaine Lou McEntaffer.

Jim is survived by his children, Ann (Scott) Brownsberger of North Liberty, Iowa, Jon McEntaffer of Atlantic, Iowa, Mitchel Strong of Mission, Kansas, Charles (Alison) Luin of Olathe, Kansas, Glenna Luin of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and eleven grandchildren.

Family and friends can pay their respects on Thursday, June 23, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa.

A private graveside service and interment will be held at the Iowa Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Unity Point Hospice of Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.