Obituaries : James “Diamond Jim” Van Morrison

James "Diamond Jim" Van Morrison, 64, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away May 4, 2022 at his home due to natural causes.

Jim was born October 11, 1957 to James Leroy and Janet Lee (VanAuken) Morrison in Sigourney, IA. Jim graduated from English Valley High School, class of 1975. He worked for Williamsburg Manufacturing Co. for 20 years before his career at Kinze Manufacturing Inc. for 16 years, retiring in 2021. Jim resided in the Iowa County area before making Belle Plaine his home in 2001. On April 5th 2002 Jim married Carol DeMeyer at Hannen Park, Blairstown, IA. Together the couple lived life to the fullest.

Jim found true enjoyment being outdoors. He had a passion for hunting and even enjoyed fishing with Carol by his side. Supporting his need for going fast, Jim loved motorcycles, racing in his younger days and Poker Runs with great friends. Jim was a true friend and would help anyone, from his perfectionist side of rachet strapping everything to just being there to lend a hand. Jim had an appreciation for guns and was a proud member of the NRA.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Belle Plaine; son, Christopher (Laurie) DeMeyer of Marshalltown; daughters, Paige (Alex) Banes of Parnell, Melissa (Brad) Huber of Ladora; grandchildren, Wyatt and Jesse DeMeyer, Darrin and Remington Huber, Zoey Newcomb and Emryn Banes; brother, Lynn (Pam) Morrison of North English; sister, Kathy (Gary) Netser of North English; mother-in-law, Margaret Clark of Belle Plaine; loyal companion, Snickers and many more family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Tucker Morrison; grandparents, Forest and Grace Morrison, Theodore and Velma VanAuken; and father-in-law, Bernie E. Clark Jr.

Family and friends are invited to gather at a casual Celebration of Life, 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Hannen Lake Park Shelter, Blairstown, IA. Memorials may be directed to the family.