James Dory

James (Jim) Calvin Dory, age 83, of Anita, IA, passed away on January 5, 2022, at Cass Health in Atlantic, IA.

Jim was born in Union County, Iowa, just north of Creston on January 12, 1938, to Lile and Mary (Lorentzen) Dory. They later moved to a farm south of Greenfield. He attended country school as a child. He then attended Orient Schools where he graduated from. As a junior, Jim made the all-state football team. He married Bette Beatty and to this union, four children were born. Jim Farmed for many years. The last farm was near Murry, IA. He worked as the night police for Murray. He was later hired by the Wapello County, IA, for one year on a federal grant and attended law academy school at Indian Hills College in Ottumwa, IA. Following that he was elected to a four-year term as the Adair County Sheriff. After serving his term as Sheriff, the family moved to Manchester, IA, and purchased a motel and trailer court. Several years later they sold the Manchester businesses and moved to Anita. At that time the Anita Grand Motel and the West End Laundromat in Atlantic, IA were purchased.

Jim had many duties and responsibilities as a business owner. He enjoyed woodworking and using his skills to remodel rental houses in the area. He was a member of the Anita United Methodist Church. Within the church, Jim refurnished the church pews from the “lime” finish to the beautiful oak finish as it is today. He also drove a charter bus to take people to work in Des Moines daily. Jim enjoyed participating in the Anita Community Theater for several years. Jim was an avid reader; he could read a thick book in one day. Jim was also a member of the Lions Club and the Anita Masonic Lodge #380. He held the office of the Master and Secretary for several years. He conducted many Masonic funerals within his time.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Lile and Mary, and his brother Ivan.

Jim is survived by his wife Bette; children Brenda, Betsy, Jeffery, and Joel; sister-in-law Virginia; and brother Joe; grandchildren Chad, Carlina (Mike), and Melinda (Jacob); great-grandchildren, Gavin, Samson, Everly, Aurora, and August.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to A.M.U of Anita, United Methodist Church, Anita Library, Anita Wellness Center, the Anita Ambulance, and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

No services are planned at this moment for the Dory Family. Cremation has been taken place and a graveside service will be held at Spaulding Cemetery north of Creston, IA.

Arrangements are handled at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA.