Obituary of James "Jim" St. John

James Mitchell St. John of West Branch, Iowa, passed away March 10, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke following successful complex corrective surgeries on his spine. He was 66 years old. Jim’s family will receive guests for visitation at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City) on Thursday, March 16th from 4-7 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 17th, 10 am, also at the funeral home, followed by a burial of ashes at St. Joseph’s cemetery in Iowa City. Jim was born September 1, 1956 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Francis and Jean (Mitchell) St. John. Jim was a kind and generous soul who lived his life with integrity and a “go your own way” spirit. He graduated from City High School (1974) and the University of Northern Iowa (1978). Jim retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City in 2021. He loved coin collecting, gardening antiquing, and was always searching for unique items for his home and gifts for friends and relatives. Close friends and family meant the world to Jim. His death leaves an unfillable space in our hearts, but his memory and legacy will continue through all who love him. Jim’s family include Doug, his cherished husband and best friend of 36 years; siblings, Francis “John” St. John Jr., Denny (Pam) St. John, and Margie (the late Jim) Ebert and Mary (Lee) Eno; siblings-in-law, Robin (Robert) Gries, Danny (Charlene) Schneider; nieces and nephews, Jenny, Shannon, Brian, Jason, Nick (Dianna), James (Noelle), Justin, Jean (Jonathon), Jared, Kirk (Jessica), Crystal (Nathan), Kevin (Allyson), Jessica (Mike) and Lindsey (Zach); 16 great nieces and nephews, and puppies Albert and Louie. Sadly, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Jean; sister, Mary Eno; brothers-in-law, Jim Ebert, Donald Schneider; and parents-in-law, Francis and Carol Schneider as well as Jim and Doug’s beloved canine companions Harry, Willie, George, Charlie and Tobey. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory are suggested to either the Iowa City Homeless Shelter or the Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Please continue to keep Jim’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jim’s family would like to thank the staff of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their professional, and compassionate care.