James Michael Kann, 78, of Garnavillo, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by his family.
Visitation was Sunday, March 29, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo, and before services at the church.
Funeral services were Monday, March 30, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo, conducted by Rev. Paul Kwaku Ameyaw, and Deacon Jim Pfaffy.
Burial was at the church cemetery where military honors were accorded by American Legion Clay-Gar Post #723.
Jim was born on Dec. 11, 1947, in Elkader, the son of Donald and Helen (Meyer) Kann. He was the oldest of six children. Jim received his education in Garnavillo and graduated from Garnavillo High School with the Class of 1966. Shortly after graduating, he helped his parents farm until he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served from 1968 to 1970 as an 11B infantryman with the storied 101st Airborne Division, including one year of service in Vietnam. After being wounded twice and spending 2 ½ months in the VA hospital, he was discharged in February of 1970. He earned the following medals: Sharpshooter M-14, Expert M-16; Military Justice, CBR TNG, CRS A Nonjud Pun; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w. 60 Device; Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), two Overseas Bars, a Purple Heart Medal, and two Bronze Star Medals.
After returning home, Jim helped his parents farm. While shelling corn on Aug. 26, 1970, his knee gave out, and he became caught in the header of the combine. He spent 90 days in the hospital undergoing numerous surgeries and then spent five years on crutches. Following the farm accident, Jim enrolled and graduated from Upper Iowa University. He then continued his education at the University of Iowa, working toward his master’s degree for two years. Jim then moved to San Francisco, where he earned his law degree from Golden Gate Law School. After returning to Iowa, he began his 40-year career in private law practice.
Jim had met Marilyn shortly after returning home from service and knew at first glance she was the one. A game of cards sealed the deal. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Berns, on Sept. 8, 1973, and to this union four children were born. The two were always by each other’s side, working together in the law office, tending to the farm, traveling, and attending their grandchildren’s many activities. Jim always had a smile when his grandchildren were around.
Jim was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Clay-Gar Post #723, where he was a member for 56 years. He also helped start the Northeast Iowa Vietnam Veterans Association in 1980, served on the St. Joseph’s School Board, and had been a director of the Kann St. Michael Cemetery Association since 2012.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, of 53 years, Marilyn; his children, Adam (fiancée Wendy) Kann of Ryan, Matthew (Sarah) Kann of Ankeny, David (and friend Rhonda) Kann of Garber, and Sarah (Brad) Flowers of North Liberty; his grandchildren, Josh (Taylor), Warren, Ethan, Madalyn (fiancé Easton), Andrea, Morgan, James, Josh, Hailey, Erin, Cooper, Jace, Piper, Lily, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Camden and Caroline; his siblings, Ruth Hamilton, Wendy (Mike) Gossett, Dinah (Keith) Hodapp, Linda (Duane) Lampson, and Charlene (Tom) Staade; and sisters-in-laws, Jane (David) Siegel, Jeanette (Pat) Thein, and Melissa Schmitz, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Ray and Mae Berns; his brother-in-law, Douglas Hamilton; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Donald (Carolyn) Berns, Norman (Betty) Berns, and Mary (James) Schmitz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Garnavillo, the Garnavillo Firefighters’ Association and EMS, and the NE IA Vietnam Vet’s “Giard Memorial Park” project.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.
