Jim Casey, 57, of Massena

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Massena with burial at a later date in the Victoria Township Cemetery, south of Massena.  Father Phillip Bempong will officiate the service.  The Lamb Funeral Home of Massena is in charge of professional arrangements. 

Open Visitation:  Will be held at the Cumberland Community Building in Cumberland on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Family Visitation:  The family will greet friends on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cumberland Community Building in Cumberland. 

Memorials:  Memorials may be directed to the Jim Casey Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date. 

   James Andrew Casey was born on December 22, 1964, to Thomas D. and Donna (Angus) Casey in Corning, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa at the age of 57.
   Jim graduated from C & M Community School District with the class of 1983. After high school, he attended the University of Northern Iowa. He was united in marriage to Kristy “Kris” Lea Mullen on November 26, 1997 (an anniversary they shared with his parents) and to this union, two daughters were born: Maureen and Molly. His girls were the focus of his life from the minute they were born until the day he passed. His greatest joy came from seeing them grow, succeed and obtain happiness. Jim enjoyed old cars, cooking, playing music with friends, making people laugh, exaggerating every detail in his stories, and spreading peace to everyone. He nursed his Dad’s 1948 Willys Overland Jeep back to health and enjoyed driving it in the 4th of July parades with his girls, nieces, and nephews. His most recent addition was christened the “Sug Mag” by his daughters, in honor of his signature song, Sugar Magnolia. Jim and his family enjoyed many nights dancing, singing and laughing in the “Club Nirvana” while camping in the backyard. Jim was a great communicator and had time to talk (and listen) to anyone whether they were 3 years old or 103. He played in many bands throughout the years, with musicians of all ages and walks of life. He was as talented on piano as he was on the guitar. His rendition of Amazing Grace would bring anyone to tears. Jim’s family and friends knew him as an amazing cook. The only thing you would need to be aware of was that even though dinner was scheduled for 5:00, you might not actually eat until 9:00 because in addition to cooking Jim would be talking with everyone in attendance, getting updated on their lives and telling them stories about whatever had happened since he saw them last. Anything he made was amazing-we all looked forward to his Corned Beef on St. Patrick's Day. From Popcorn to Pot Roast to Calzones we will miss it all. Above all, we will miss his sense of humor. When you answered his phone call, you never knew if you’d be talking to a Japanese POW, a telemarketer from India or Santa Claus. Although Kris might beg to differ, his Forrest Gump voice could make us laugh in any situation.
   Jim worked at the Clarinda Company in Atlantic and Dedicated Business Solutions in New Market before accepting a position as the IT Director for CAM Community School District. Even though he didn’t teach the students he was very intent on making sure they had the best tools possible to learn. He worked to obtain laptop computers for them, years before most of the other districts in the area had them.  
   He was preceded in death by his father Thomas D. Casey and his sister Maureen Rasmussen.
   He is survived by his wife, Kris Casey of Massena; two daughters, Maureen Deal and husband Jacob and Molly Casey all of Massena; mother, Donna Casey of Massena; two brothers, Mike Casey and wife Sheryl of Lowell, Indiana and Rob Casey (Barb VanHorn) of West Union, Iowa; sister, Eileen Ver Woert and husband Jim of Adel, Iowa; brother-in-law Kevin Rasmussen (Jean) of Glidden; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.