James C. Lens, 85, of Coralville, formerly of Burlington, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Born on February 14, 1941, in Sioux Falls, S.D., he was the son of Charles and Agatha (Underberg) Lens. He married Colleen S. Domino on June 30, 1976, in Marcus, Iowa.
Jim was a graduate of Rock Rapids High School in Rock Rapids. He received a bachelor's degree in education from Westmar College and a master's degree in administration from Kearney State College. Jim started his career as an elementary teacher in Marcus, and later became the elementary school principal. In 1987, Jim took a position with Burlington Community School District as the Sunnyside Elementary school principal. Jim worked in public education for forty-five years until his retirement in 2001.
Jim was a member of the Rotary Club in Marcus, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the School Administrators of Iowa, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, watching sports, participating in fantasy baseball, gardening and doing yard work. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan. Family was his top priority and the grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He is survived by his wife Colleen of 49 years; two children: Joshua (Jill) Lens of Iowa City, and Stacey (Brian Crowley) Lens of Chicago; three grandchildren: Hannah, Gretchen and Brandon Lens of Iowa City; three siblings: Alice (Gerry) Moeller of Rock Rapids, John Lens of Monterey, Calif., and David Lens of Grand Junction, Co. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Bethine Ann; grandson Caleb Marcus; parents, and several siblings.
The visitation for Jim will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Lunning Chapel Burlington, IA where the family will meet with family and friends.
Inurnment will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Moments Hospice of Hiawatha, Iowa.