Dr. Skarda was my favorite Dr. at Urologic Associates. Yes, he could be gruff and sometimes even scary, but he was fair to me! He was funny and had a memory that even to this day amazes me.

"Skarda" was larger than life... the world lost another great human being...he will be missed...

Jim cared about me as a patient and a person. Every visit Jim would ask about my farm, hog and corn prices, had I been on a climbing trip lately, how's the family. A very compassionate man that will be missed by many.

Dear Jennifer,

I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will be long remembered for his

compassionate care of others . I extend my sympathy to you and your family.

Bev Williams

Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Jim for 30 years and will miss seeing him at the desk in outpatient. He had great enthusiasm for life and really cared for his patients. Carol Litton RN SOPCU Mercy Hospital

I attended the service last night and by the number of people who were there and all the wonderful comments during the service and after I realized that I am not the only Jim Skarda fan in the world. I have known him for many years and he has done two surgeries on me the last for prostate cancer. Most of my Doctor visits we would talk about Fishing, Skiing, Motorcycle riding and such but mostly we shared what our families were up to. He was a great doctor and he always made me feel like we were great friends as well, I will miss him greatly!

Jennifer, My mom e-mailed me about Jim.I am so sorry this happened to you.I am also sorry for not being in touch since Jan passed.It still hurts to think about her.I hope your health is good.I'm hanging in there.I tried to call Beth a couple times with no response.Hope she is well.I am in mourning also as I lost my brother Russell last month.Again-I am so sorry for your loss. YFF Leon

First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss to all his family members and his dogs. I worked in transcription at mercy yrs ago and just wanted to say how nice, fun, real Dr. Skarda was. He never had a "god" complex or treated us like we were "less than", spoke to us like we were actually people. If he needed anything from us, i.e. discharge summary if a patient was being transferred he would actually call us himself, not have a nurse or someone else do it for him and was always very nice on the phone, even if we were taking a little bit too long to transcribe the report he needed right away. If we saw him in the hall he would always speak to us, just an overall great guy and I am sure will be missed terribly. I was saddened by the news and just wanted to leave a little note about my positive experience in dealing with him at Mercy. Thank you for allowing me to share my positive experiences with your loved one. Please take care of each other, including of course his dogs.

Dear Jennifer,

I was sorry to hear about Jim's death. It sounds as it was a real tough one for everyone especially Jim. I'm hoping that the family can slowly put things together and get through their grief that is as painless as possible. My best wishes to each of you.

Jim operated on me in 1994 and saved my life.He was an honest and skilful physician who told me the truth about my illness and my expectations. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, and wish his family the strength to move through this difficult time.

Jennifer, Jon, Juliann,

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. Jim always stopped and chatted with me in the halls of Mercy. I do remember how happy Jim was when Rick built a cabinet to keep all of his Hawkeye homecoming badges. I do know that Jim was the love of your life and how happy he made you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Dot and Rick Langholdt, Iowa City

Dear Jennifer,

I am so sorry to hear about your losing Jim. I remember how happy you were with your new family the last time we met in Iowa City, which made me happy too because you certainly deserved it. And I know that you'll be strong enough to find peace and a measure of happiness again after this terrible loss.

Love,

Your old friend Ted

It was an honor to care for Dr. Skarda-- I especially enjoyed the times that he and I would walk the hallway on 5N. Jennifer, I will miss our talks-- know that I have been praying for you and will continue to keep you in my thoughts. Our family is grieving with you-- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Dr. Skarda was a peacemaker-- and he definitely was a child of God, a child at heart. I will remember his impish grin for a long time. Peace, rebecca

Jennifer and Family:

It seems like yesterday we were sweating through anatomy and pathology and exams and clinicals in medical school. Jim was always a good spirit and fun loving and looking forward to being a physician and a urologist. My condolences to you and your family. His memory will remain with all that he touched. Francis Pisney, M.D.

Jennifer, too much has gone unsaid for too long, too much time has gone by, for me to even begin to know how to tell you how deeply and sincerely sorrowful I am at your loss, and for the loss your children have to experience, with Jim's death. You will get through this with the same spirit and kindness with which you have gotten through so much in your life, I know that to be true. It has given me so much quiet satisfaction over the years to think of you, so happy in the life you have always wanted, with the man you so deeply love and with the kids you cherish,----surrounded by dogs. So many things I wish I could say, but I will have to hope that sending you my genuine love will somehow lodge in your heart and somehow, in some tiny way, help contribute to all the love for you there is the world--and from heaven. Being loved is a float when you're drowning in a sea of grief. I hope there is some measure of comfort in that for you........if not now, in time. Love, always, Jenny Jenny.

Bear

Dear Jennifer & Family,

My sincerest condolences for your loss. I knew Jim in junior high at Corwith-Wesley. I value my memories of him and those time.

Jim always seemed to live life a little bit larger than the rest of us. Of course whenever I think of Iowa Hawkeyes football, I always think of Jim.

One particular memory of Jim is forever etched in my mind (even though it occurred over 30 years ago): we were tailgating in Iowa City after a game and Jim stopped by to see Paul, Pauline and my folks. There was food in abundance and Jim picked up a handful of cherry tomatoes, chose one, tossed it into the air as high as he could throw it, watched it sail into the air and then, easy as can be, caught it in his mouth and gobbled it up. Then he did the same thing with the next tomato and the next until they were all gone. He tossed every one as high as he could and caught every one in his mouth. Never dropped a single one.

He always appeared to live life the same way: figured out what he wanted to do, went ahead and did it, and never dropped a single one.

Dr. Skarda was the BEST doctor I have ever known. He saved my mother's life (Karen Jehle) and I will always be grateful. He always made my mom feel safe even though she was very, very ill. He gave everything of himself for his patients. He was a doctor 24 hours a day, not just during office hours. I believe that God worked through Dr. Skarda to touch as many people as he could and help them through the difficult times of illness and pain. Dr. Skarda was a kind, compassionate and loving man who we are priviledged enough to know and to be able to call him a friend. The world has suffered a great loss in his passing. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to his family and friends. Melanie Stutzman and Karen Jehle, Wellman, IA

I misssed seeing Jim at Wally (and Lucille) Heiman's house this past Hawkeye season. I am sure his "season ticket" in Heaven is in the Hawkeye Cheering section. Go Jim!!

Dr. Skarda literally saved my life. He performed surgery on me in 2004. I was referred to him by another doctor and I immediately felt comfortable with him. I met him on a Monday and two days later I was in the operating room at Mercy Hospital. His bedside manner was not like other physician I have known. He didn't coddle me, but treated me like a real person who could think, weigh the options, and make decisions. I appreciated his forthrightness and honesty. He told me how everything would be, he kept me informed before and after the surgery, and there were no surprises. During the follow-up appointments he was always thoughtful and realistic. I knew his children at Northwest Junior High School and I talked with his wife at Roosevelt when I subbed there. Fortunately, I had no need to see him professionally again, but I did recommend him to friends who needed a urologist. Simply knowing he was there if other medical situations arose made me feel safer. Iowa City and the world were better off with Dr. Skarda performing his professional duties. It's a great loss and I'm very sad for all of us who knew him.

Dear Jennifer, Jonathan and Juliann; Our prayers and thoughts go out to you; now and always.

Jim had the best nursing care anyone could ask for. I always saw him pass thru the ER on his way up to 3W, and we would exchange our humors about life. What we love in life is never gone, as it lives on in our hearts forever.

Blessings to each of you during this sad time. Sincerely, joellen & jim megan

Just learned of Jim passing away, hard to believe. He was one in a million.

We went to school together thru 8th grade when the family moved to Britt and then we would get together whenever we could. We shared 1-16-1946 (Jim claimed to be a couple hours older) and celebrated every year thru 8th grade and our 21st in Iowa City. Jim was fun. Will remember the good times skiing at Clear Lake and the Surf ballroom from the 60's also starting him scuba diving in Okiboji. If you ever want to know about those days let me know.

Mike Williams

Corwith , Iowa City, Cedar Rapids now Panama City Beach

To the Skarda Family,

I was so sorry to hear about Jim. I was a friend of Shirley's and a neighbor when they lived in Britt. My memory of Jim is that he and my brother Jim had the same birthday. When my mom found out that Jim Skarda liked pecan pie as did my brother Jim she made them the pie for a few years until they moved.

Jennifer & Family,

Dear Jennifer, Jonathan, Juliann and all of the family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Skarda was one in a million! There was no one like him, he was so special and simply the best! I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with him in Iowa City at Urologic Associates. Those were the days. Lots of fun! Wonderful memories and friendships! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please know he will always be with you in spirit! Sincerely, Susie

Dear Jennifer, Jonathan and Juliann,

My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your husband and father, I had the opportunity to work with him for 8 years on 3 West at Mercy. I'm sure others can tell you, but Dr. Skarda made some of the BEST salsa I've ever tasted in my life!!

It was so nice to find out he grew up in Corwith as I am originally from Bancroft, if I remember correctly he said his grandfather ran the grocery store. He would mention if you were going to Clear Lake for the weekend and oh, how he LOVED the Hawkeyes!

I will remember him as someone who was looked up to by his patients, someone who was a respected physician, and someone I had an opportunity to give back to since I spent a night with him on hospice earlier this year.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time, may the love and support of family and friends sustain you. God bless you all!

Jennifer, my sincerest sympathy and condolances upon the passing of Jim. I am proud to call Jim a friend. He was such a great guy and was easy to like. We became friends soon after he joined the practice and his office was next to ours, Steindler Orthopedics. I remember the great office Christmas parties that they use to throw. I often think about Jim and about the personalized license plate that he used to have that read "2PCME". He was very fond of that and I always thought it was so clever.

I know that this is a verfy difficult time for you and your family but try not to mourn Jim's passing but instead, embrace all the time that you got to spend with him and all the fun times you had. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.

I was a patient of Dr. Skarda's since 1994. He diagnosed me with prostate cancer in 2000--treated me--and I am now completely cured--cancer free. But it wasn't just WHAT he did--it was HOW he did it. He did it with a down-to- earth personality, with humor, with caring, with expertise, with sincerity, and with compassion. I consider it one of the most significant events of my life that I was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. Skarda by Dr. Larew--and that I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Skarda as my Urologist. He literally saved my life. And here I am, 12 years later, loving life, and healthy. I am sure my story is similar to the stories of literally thousands of his patients. And I know I speak for so many of his patients when I say thank you--to him, and to his family. What an incredible legacy he has left behind .....and what an incredible number of lives he has touched.............Rest in peace, Dr. Skarda.....

To Dr. James Skarda's Family, I am sorry to hear about Dr. Skarda. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. I will miss him in the hallways at Mercy Iowa City. He always spoke to me wherever I was in the hospital if it was in the Cafeteria, on a Unit, or in the Mens Locker Room when I was suppling the scrubs for the Male Doctors and Male Techs. He would always tap me on the back and say how are you today? My Aunts would always come out to his house to get nuts from him. They say when you feel his presence that is when you know that you were thinking about each other at the same time, you should say a prayer for all of you. He will always be with us in our Hearts, Memories, Spirits, and Thoughts. May God Bless you all and take care. I can't make it to the services, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Terri Lee Doehrmann (Linen Worker at Mercy Iowa City)

My Dad was one of Dr Skarda's patients for over 20 years, and he was proud to be considered not only a patient but a friend . May they meet again in Heaven. Roxanne Jesina

My deepest condolences to the Skarda family. I worked at Mercy with Dr. Skarda and he was one of my favorites. He was always so sweet to me and would take the time to see how I was doing whenever he saw me. I just lost my father a few weeks ago and I know how hard it is to lose someone so close. Cherish all the wonderful memories and times you spent together and may God bless you all and give you peace through this difficult time.

Condolences to your family from a patient who was pleased to have had

Jim's caring expertise for several years. I enjoyed visiting with him during

our sessions. He was one of the Good Guys taken from us too soon.

Andy Wehde

Jennifer, i remember working with you and your husband many years ago and watching your love grow through your mother's eyes. Clay knew Jim as a doctor and and from North Dodge. Jim was a very gentle man and I am sure you will receive countless messages like this from people who were touched by both of you. We are sorry for your family's loss.

I used to work with Dr Skarda at Urologic Associates at the Town Crest office back in the early 1980's. He was always fun to be around and had a wonderful sense of humor. My prayers and loving thoughts go out to the family.

~ ~Shari VeDepo ~ ~

i want to thank dr.skarda and his family for letting me into their lives.dr.skarda was very warm hearted and affectionate towards everyone he met.it was a pleasure and an honor to have taken care of someone important in everyones lives.someone who i will never forget as well as for his wife jennifer and children.jennifer never gave up,not even for a second.she stood by his side cheering dr.skarda and giving him lots of kisses.always having that smile that shines through.once again thank you for not giving up on each other and making skards last moments well deserved.-angie valencia

Dear Jennifer, Jon, and Juliann,

Words are hard to find. Thinking about you and Jim. I'll always remember his smile and great sense of humor. Him talking about the Hawks and telling jokes made lifting 1000-pound walls at Bill's house a pleasure every time. A true friend and neighbor. Best wishes.

Dr Skarda was my Dr. I thought he was the best Dr in the world. I used to take peaches to him, because one time he told me that he loved peaches and blueberries. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family and your dogs. I did not know he was an animal lover, or I might never have left the office. I am sure you will remember all the wonderful times you have had together. That is something you will take with you foreever.

Linda Shatto

My heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with each of you as you go through this time of loss. Jim and I were elementary classmates at Corwith and then Corwith-Wesley until his family moved to Britt. I remember him well and have often wondered about his life journey. Just recently, we were talking about the Skarda family and Jim. Ironically, my husband and I live next door to his home in Corwith but the house no longer stands. I am truly saddened to hear of Jim's death and pray God's love and peace will surround you.hwnf

You have my sympathy, I was a patient for 18 years, he always tried to make the "visit" easier. Thanks Dr. Skarda.

Skarda Family,

So sorry for your loss. We were deeply concerned when we first heard about Dr. Skarda's condition. We always felt comfortable in his cares for us since he truly was a people person. May he be in a more restful and comforting place. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Jim & Jan Barnes (Patient's of the Urologic Associates)

Jenn, jonathan & Julieanne,

Jennifer,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have thought of you both so often over the years. My favorite memory from the Iowa Mountaineers Climbing trip to Canada was sitting by the campfire talking to Jim, he was such an easy person to talk to. You have my deepest sympathy.

Cindy Geil Tarrence

I met Jim in the fall of 1964, when we were living in the same section, or "House," as they then said, of Hillcrest Dormitory, at the University of Iowa, where we were students. Jim was part of the "Britt Team," which was a group of friends from Britt, Iowa, who had come down to attend Iowa together. Jim and I became friends and we had lots of laughs together. Even then you could tell he was a very special person. Smart, funny, but always very kind, he was a joy to be around. After our freshman year, our paths parted, though we still saw each other on campus fairly often and we would get together for coffee from time to time. After graduation, we didn't see each other for many years. Then, after Jim had returned to Iowa City (and his beloved Hawks), I heard about him again through mutual friends and acquaintances. It was through one of these mutual friends that I secured his phone number and recommenced our friendship. Jim's passing saddens me very much, though my fond memories of him will endure forever. He was a lovely person and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Jim was my doctor for many years, and was always professional and had a way of making his patients feel very comfortable in his presence. I'm sure he was loved by all of his family and I express my deepest sympathies to all of you. He will be missed....

Dear Jennifer, Jonathan,and Juliann: I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. He gave quite the fight. We will miss his smile and great sense of humor. The lake will not be the same. Since our sons are arriving from Portland and Phoenix Wednesday evening, I will not be able to attend the visitation or service. Hope to see all of you soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Fondly, Debbie Stetson

Dr Skarda was my doc many years ago and I always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts are with you in this time of grief.

We are SO VERY SADDENED to hear of your loss.

Dr. James Skarda was my Doctor for years while living in Iowa City,

and One of the BEST!!! His Personality and Bed Side Manners were

Above -n- Beyond his call of duty.. I will Never Forget all the Comfort

he passed on to his Patients.. He was One in a Million..

Judy Batterson Rotenburger

Jennifer, Jon and Julianne,

My sincerest sympathy to all of you and to Paul and the rest of the family. As you know from past class reunions, Jim was one of my favorite people. Not only was he a fun guy to have around but I understand from my daughter-in-law, Angela, he was one of the best doctors in the operating room. Such a special guy to have lived, and oh, how he cared about everyone else in his life. Jim has been in my prayers ever since last June and as you grieve over his loss, you will continue to be in my prayers.

Jennifer & Family,

Our deepest sympathy in this very difficult time.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Kahlil Gibran

The Urichs

Jennifer, Jon, & Julianne,

My heart goes out to you as your hearts ache with your loss. You were so deeply devoted, as you saw Jim through his final journey. Your home, and the Hospice room where Jim sometimes stayed, was filled with family love and care. You gave Jim the gift of constant, unfailing love and comfort. Know that the Roosevelt school family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer, my sympathy to you and your family. it saddened me to hear of jims passing. he will be truely missed. the last we spoke he talked of you and your teaching, and all of the things the kids were doing. He was so proud! I will miss him at the iowa homecoming parades. take care lisa sedlacek and family

Jennifer and family,

You have been in our thoughts this past year as you journeyed on this challenging path. You have our deepest sympathy.

My friend in Iowa City called me today to tell me Dr. Skarda has passed away. Ever since I received the letter telling of Dr. Skarda's retirement, Jennifer you & Dr. have been in my thoughts and prayers. I was client of Dr. Skarda for nearly 33 years. I wonder if you'll remember me from College of Nursing when we were RN to BSN students. I will try to come on Wed. as I still live in Clinton. God's Peace be with you. Dorothea Olsen.

My father, Miles Bextine called on Dr. Skarda as a drug rep many years ago- Dr. Skarda was a friend and his favorite to 'call on'. Following in the family career I also called on Dr. Skarda when I later became a drug rep- we had a special relationship since he knew my dad and I ended up living right down the street from him. We shared the love of dogs- I had 2 goldens at the time. My condolences to you and your family. He was a great man. - Brooke Norris- Foreman (Bextine)

Jennifer,Jon and Julianne-

Our thoughts and prayers are and have been with you as they have been through these difficult times. May your faith and the love or your friends sustain you...Rex and Kay

Jen and family,

Thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May happy memories and family/friends sustain you. Sorry I am out of town and cannot attend.

Diane Huber

I worked at Mercy for 20 years on 3west and come to know Dr. Skarda as a good friend to work with! My prays go with the Family and know that he is in the arms of our loving God!

our thoughts and prayers with you

Jennifer, Jon, and Julieanne,

From one Memorial Day to the next has been a rough year for all of you. You have been in our thoughts and prayers all this time and will continue to be in to the future. When Jim's death was announced in church this morning my reaction was mixed, one was relief that he was "free" and the other was sorrow for your loss. May you feel God's love surround you.

Sara, John, James, and Josh