James "Jim" Strabala

James Strabala, 75, of Riverside, died at his home on Friday, January 7, 2022. His body has been cremated and no services will be held. Condolences may be sent to Don Strabala at: 125 Hwy 965, #2, North Liberty, IA 52317. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

James “Jim” Strabala was born April 18, 1946, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of John Clement and Clementine L. (Scherrer) Strabala. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary and carried newspapers as a young boy and enjoyed talking about that experience and the people he met. Jim was active in speech and debate during high school, winning first place in competitions all four years. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in 1970, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He worked as a dealer at various casinos throughout his life. He was most recently employed at Hy-Vee. Jim loved his family and was always ready for any kind of family get together. He took an interest in everyone, especially his nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed family ancestry.

Survivors include seven siblings: Theresa Strabala of Iowa City, William Strabala of Arvada, CO, Mary (Terry) Myers of Cedar Rapids, Kathy (Ray) Kempa of Westminster, CO, Donald (Jackie) Strabala of North Liberty, Jane (Toshi) Hoshi of Bala Cynwood, PA, and David Strabala of Overland Park, KS; sister-in-law and friend Phyllis Strabala and a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, and five siblings: Marina Harbit, Jack Strabala, Joseph Strabala, Joan Barber and Melvin Strabala.