James R. Palmer Sr., age 66, of Smithland, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his residence of Smithland, Iowa.
Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Little Sioux Township Cemetery of Smithland, Iowa. Pastor Clifton “Mick” Struble will officiate. Military Rites will be provided by the Leslie F. Seaton Post No. 0666 of the American Legion of Smithland, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
James Raymond Palmer Sr., the son of Paul and Marilyn (Kirkpatrick) Palmer, was born on February 25, 1959, in Sioux City, Iowa. James grew up in the Smithland, Iowa, area and received his education from Westwood High School in Sloan, Iowa.
On January 3, 1980, James enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was a cannon crewman and sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged on February 11, 1983, and returned back to the Iowa-Nebraska area.
Throughout his lifetime, James was employed in the heavy construction industry where they completed dirt work for highways. James was blessed to be the father of three children: JR, Shawna, and Lacie.
For the last 15 years James lived in Smithland where he was caring for his brother Kevin during his illness as well as his mother. In his spare time, James enjoyed fishing, camping, and relaxing with a cold Busch Light while sharing stories with friends and family. He was a laid back individual who never met a stranger. He could get along with almost everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory include his mother Marilyn Palmer of Smithland, IA; children JR Heimbecker, Shawna Wheeler, Lacie LeClair; siblings Jeff Palmer of Bristow, NE, Curt (Vicky) Palmer of Whiting, IA, Kris (Fred) Barge of Whiting, IA and Carla Palmer of Schleswig, IA; 7 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Paul Palmer; brothers Kevin, John Palmer and Bryan Palmer; sister Debra (Brent) Kroll; grandparents; nephews Robert Palmer, Donald Palmer and Cory Theeler; as well as extended family.
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Graveside
29
Aug
Smithland, IA 51056
