James D. Lierow, 79, of Des Moines died Jan. 12, 2010, at the Kavanagh Hospice House.Jim was born on May 7, 1930, to Frank and Irene Lierow in Oskaloosa. Jim joined the Iowa National Guard in November 1947. His military service ended 34 years later when he retired as a Sergeant Major in the Army Reserves in June 1981. Jim completed 46 years of service to the country when he retired as a Department of Army Civilian administrator June 1993.Jim is survived by his wife, Marlene Joyce (Rodgers); their children, Major James (Debra) Lierow Jr. of Quincy, Ill., Judy (Bruce) Scapecchi of Des Moines, Captain Jeffrey (Tonya) Lierow of Des Moines and daughter-in-law Marcy Sherfey of Sherwood, Ore. He is also survived by his sister, Billiegene Simpson of San Diego, Calif. Eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren gave Jim and Marlene many years of joy and pride.Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Lierow.Jim and Marlene were married in Oskaloosa June 8, 1952. They enjoyed their 57 years of marriage with their children, friends and family through various social and service organizations. Jim and Marlene made several trips around the United States and other countries while serving as short-term missionaries for the United Methodist Church following his retirement. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church. It will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. A military graveside service will be later in the day at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The family will receive friends at 3:30 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa.Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Heifer International through Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church.

Published in the Ottumwa Daily Courier from 1/13/2010 - 1/14/2010