James Darrell Moses

James Darrell Moses of Newton passed away on January 28, 2023 after a long and difficult battle with cancer.  James was born January 23, 1956, to Dorothy Watkins Moses and Darrell Moses in Alton, Illinois.  As the child of school teachers, his family traveled and camped extensively all summer, making for many wonderful family memories.  James was an excellent percussionist, performing with a community orchestra while still in high school. He graduated from East Alton Wood River High School.  He worked as an electrician for Meisner Electric and Interstate Electric.  He lived in Hawaii and Cedar Rapids before settling in Newton in where he met and married the love of his life, Michele (Jo) Schiller Smead, on September 2, 2006, at their home in rural Newton.  They enjoyed many years together of camping, spending time outdoors, mushroom hunting, watching local eagles, their many trips to Colorado (including the time James tried to make a snow angel on a glacier and slid down the side of the mountain!), Friday cocktail hour with family and an occasional cigar.  James remained a loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals, despite having married a Cubs fan.

James is survived by his wife, his son Scott (Sabrina) Smead and four grandsons whom he adored; Karter, Gavin, Luke and Max Smead, all of Newton.  They will greatly miss their Papa Mo.  He is also survived by his sister Pam (Steve) Ford of Vermillion, South Dakota, and brother Bob (Linda) Moses of Richmond, Missouri, many sisters and brothers-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Jerry and Betty Schiller.

Per James’ request, there will be no funeral and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Condolences may be sent to Jo at 3836 E. 84th St. S., Newton, Iowa 50208.  Memorials may be directed to Comfort House in Pella, Iowa, or to Jo for a tree to be planted in James’ memory.