James Pritchard Sheagren, 93, of Burlington, died at 7:59 PM Friday, September 21, 2018, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington. Born January 9, 1925 in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Carl Harry and Elsie Lee Pritchard Sheagren. On September 12, 1948, he married Vera Louise Lauck in Indianola, Iowa.
Jim was a licensed funeral director and owner of Sheagren Funeral Home. He ran the funeral home with his son, Roger. He was a graduate of Burlington High School and the St. Louis School of Mortuary Science.
He was the oldest member of the Grace United Methodist Church where he was active with their men’s club and Homebuilders Sunday school class. He was a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association for 71 years, the Grotto Shrine, the Des Moines Lodge #1, a lifetime member of the Des Moines County Historical Society, a Chamber of Commerce ambassador, Burlington Lion’s Club, Chairperson of the Burlington Sesquicentennial celebration, 33rd Degree Mason, past Worthy Patron of E.C. Blackmar Chapter 306 and Des Moines County T.B. He was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader and belonged to Romeo “retired old men eating out”.
Jim was a very social person. He loved going out in the mornings for coffee and donuts with friends. He was a faithful friend, keeping everyone connected.
He belonged to several bridge clubs, was very knowledgeable of Burlington history, and was proud of his Swedish heritage. Jim loved sweets, especially pie. He loved decorating for the holidays and attending auctions on Saturday mornings.
Survivors include three sons, Craig (Cathy) Sheagren of Monmouth, IL, Joel (Kim) Sheagren of Blaine, MN, Roger (Lynn) Sheagren of Burlington; 10 grandchildren, Carie (Tyson) Geertz of Whispering Pines, NC, Stephanie (John) Marron of Rolling Prairie, IN, Ben (Jennifer) Sheagren of Chicago, IL, Michael (Sarah) Sheagren of Evansville, IN, Andy Sheagren of Chicago, IL, Samuel Sheagren, Mathea Sheagren both of Blaine, MN, Connor Sheagren of Anchorage, AK, Eric Sheagren of New York, NY, Adam Sheagren of Iowa City, IA; and 10 great grandchildren, Danny, Robin, Laura, Becky, Abbey, Jacob, Lonnie, Gus, Tad, and Thomas. Besides his wife, Vera, he was preceded in death by his parents and one infant daughter, Cathie Lee Sheagren. Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with Masonic Rites to be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mr. Sheagren will be 10:00 AM Thursday, September 27, 2018, at Grace United Methodist Church with Reverend David Bracht-Wagner officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at Grace United Methodist Church following the burial.
Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Historical Society and Grace United Methodist Church.
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