Cascade Pioneer, May 8, 1947, page 4, column 4

James Curtis

James Curtis, aged 87, of Garryowen, died Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at his home after a short illness. Funeral services were held from the family home to St. Patrick's Church, Garryowen, Tuesday morning at 9:30. Burial was in St. Patrick's cemetery.

A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Father Malone. Rev. Wm. Leonard of Waterloo, a former member of the parish, was Deacon. Rev. Francis Bradshaw of South Garryowen was Sub-deacon. In the sanctuary was Fr. Moriarity of DeWitt.

Father Malone preached the sermon stating that James Curtis did not need a sermon as his life was an open book that was a sermon in itself. Honesty, industry and a constant practice of the beautiful virtue of Christian Charity were the outstanding marks of his well-spent life. The world would be better if it had more men of the calibre of James Curtis.

Pallbearers were, Ambrose McDonnell, Joseph McDonnell, Paul Kedley, Loras Kedley, James Curtis, Alfred Smith, Carlos Lynch, Dwain Freeze.

Mr. Curtis was born August 5, 1859, at County Carlen, Ireland, and came to this country when he was eight years old, the son of the late Michael and Mary Curtis. He was married to Mary Sweeney September 26, 1883, at St. Patrick's Church in Garryowen.

Besides his wife, eight children survive - Mrs. Marian McDonnell, Bernard; Mrs. John (Elizabeth) Kedley, Cascade, Mrs. Harry (Margaret) Kedley, DeWitt; Michael Curtis, Bernard, Mrs. Edward (Bridget) Smith, Bernard; Mrs. Joseph (Agnes) Lynch, Clinton, la., Mrs. Gerhard (Josie) Freeze, Monticello; Paul Curtis, Bernard; also one sister, Mrs. Alice Lynch, Maquoketa, and fifty grandchildren and 45great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons and one daughter.

Devaney Funeral Home, Cascade, were in charge of funeral arrangements.