James Snyder

James Wesley Snyder age 92 of New Hampton, IA, died Friday, November 13, 2020, at MercyOne North Iowa, Mason City from complications due to Covid-19. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Hampton with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. All others are invited to please join the family on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020, on the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home Facebook page. For those attending in person, it is strongly recommended to practice social distancing and wear face masks to both the funeral and visitation. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020, in the Holy Family Catholic Church gathering space prior to the Mass. James “Jim” Wesley Snyder was born on March 7, 1928, to Percy Snyder and Amelia Schima Snyder Anderson and Alfred Anderson. He was born in Dayton Township in Chickasaw County, Iowa. He grew up on a farm near New Hampton, IA. He attended New Hampton Schools and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1946. He was a member of the Baptist Church growing up but converted to the Catholic Church later in his life. He had a strong faith in God. His faith provided him with comfort on his final day as he stated, “I am not afraid. Let’s get this show on the road.” Jim met and fell for Elizabeth “Betty” Buschman while she was working as a waitress at Bouska’s Cafe on Main Street in New Hampton. They married on May 2, 1949, beginning a 71-year marriage filled with an unwavering love. The couple raised seven children – Allen, Virgil, Wesley Jr, Denis, David, Julie, and Wendy. In his early years, Jim worked on the family farm and spent time in Texas working in the cotton fields. His career was that of a lifetime mechanic, working for Zips, Lampson Oil, Kraft Motors, and K & W Motors. He worked for Kraft and K & W Motors for 54 years retiring when he was 72 years old in 2000. The Kraft family remained very special to him. His children knew they could call their dad anytime and simply describe a noise on their vehicle, and he could diagnose the problem on the spot. He volunteered for the New Hampton Fire Department for 48 years serving many of those as the Assistant Chief. He was proud to serve his community in this manner. Jim spent his free time enjoying the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing with his wife and children, especially enjoying his trips to Canada and Minnesota. Jim was a man of patience and strength, had many talents, and was a great teacher to his children. He spoke of wanting to work with his sons, even at 92 years old. He loved being served a warm home-cooked meal with an ice cream dessert. His grandchildren will miss his storytelling of the past. Jim’s kind demeanor was genuine, making those around him feel comfortable and welcome. His emotions and love were always evident through his hugs and the beautiful twinkle in his eyes – words were not necessary. Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty, of New Hampton, IA; four sons, Allen (Karen) Snyder of Des Moines, IA, Virgil Snyder of New Hampton, IA, James Wesley Jr (Nancy) Snyder of Rapid City, SD, David (Barb) Snyder of New Hampton, IA; two daughters, Julie (Barry) Merical of Des Moines, IA, and Wendy (Kevin) Finan of Anderson, SC; thirteen grandchildren, Jenny (JP) Garrey, Heather Snyder, Sherri (Brian) McDermott, Joe (Carrie) Snyder, Leslie (Ryan) Tourangeau, James Wesley III “Jay” (Laura) Snyder, Tori (Jason) Reicherts, Michelle Snyder (Enrique Rose), Erin Snyder (Jeremy Moorman), Jenna (William) Corcoran, Monique (John) LaFave, Dustin (Angie) Condon, and Joshua Finan; 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, one brother, Leslie Snyder, son, Denis Snyder, and a great-great-granddaughter, Cyana Snyder.