James "Jim" Louis Riedesel

James “Jim” Louis Riedesel, 93, of Davenport, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Senior Star, Davenport. Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 am. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Jim was born December 1, 1929 in Davenport, Iowa the son of Louis and Veronica (Early) Riedesel.  He was united in marriage to Marlene Sydney on June 7, 1953. After Marlene’s premature death, he later married Helen Deering on August 4, 1962 in Ottawa, Illinois.

After graduating in 1948 from the former Davenport High School, where Jim was the winning pitcher on the school’s 1947 baseball state championship team, he was recruited to play baseball at the University of Iowa. Jim graduated from the University of Iowa in 1953 and was an active member on the University’s baseball team during his time at school. He also earned a Master of Arts from the University in 1958.

Jim was a lifelong teacher and coach. After starting his career in small towns throughout Iowa (Edgewood, Mechanicsville, and Laurel) he then moved to Davenport in 1960 and spent the next thirty plus years as a teacher at Frank L. Smart Junior High School, retiring in 1993. Jim also enjoyed coaching his daughters’ baseball teams during the summer months.

Jim became an avid runner later in life. He started at age 48 and continued until his late seventies. He even completed two marathons and various road races. He was an active member of the Corn Belt Running Club and held numerous board positions including president. Jim was a member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association, the National Iowa Varsity Club, Knights of Columbus, national, state and local education associations. He was also a long time board member for the former Alliance Credit Union and was chairman of the board at the time of its merger with the Family Credit Union.

Jim loved sports his entire life and was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed traveling to many places with his wife Helen before she died. In addition, he cherished animals and was an ardent supporter of the Humane Society.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Carol Burke of Albion, Nebraska and her daughter Amanda (Todd) Ford and their sons Colton and Luke; daughter, Ann (Jeff) Ring of Welton, Iowa; daughter, Mary (Patrick) Siffermann of Alexandria, Virginia, and their daughters Riona and Clare; and grandson Timothy (Sandra) Riedesel and their children Graham and Ella.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marlene, his second wife Helen, his son Michael “Mike,” infant son Steven, and his beloved cat, “Smokey.” May they rest in peace.

Memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society or the Genesis Hospital Foundation for Nursing Scholarships.

Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.