James W. Luther

James W. Luther

James W. Luther, 77, formerly of Burlington, passed away April 1, 2022, at Silverado Care facility in Escondido, Calif., after a four-year battle with dementia.

Jim moved to Escondido in May 2021 to be closer to his family.  He was born on April 17, 1944, in Burlington. He attended Burlington area schools, graduating in 1962. He was the son of Burl and Hassie McVay Luther, who preceded him in death. Also preceding Jim in death were his paternal and maternal grandparents; nephew, Allen Luther; and several cousins.

Jim worked at J.I. Case in Burlington for 38 years and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of the local UAW.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, built a racing motorcycle, and restored old cars and made “hot rods” out of them. He made many longtime friends through his hobbies and won trophies, awards, and set track records with his motorcycles. Jim was a lover of dogs, especially black labs. His last dog “Jessie” has been adopted by a family in Chicago that takes in elderly dogs that need a home.

Jim is survived by his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law Lorna Luther, both of Vista, Calif. Jim enjoyed his nieces, Regina Luther-Delgado and Janelle Mazzola, both of Oceanside, Calif.; great-nephews, Shane Luther and Anthony Mazzola; great-nieces Lorelei Delgado and June Mazzola; and great-great-nieces Lily and Ivy Luther, all of Oceanside, Calif.      

Graveside services are planned for Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Burlington Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Contact Bob Luther at luther46@yahoo.com for any additional details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Des Moines County Humane Society.