James Morford

James William Morford, 82, of Ottumwa, died at 5:14 a.m. January 20, 2022 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center. He was born January 5, 1940 in Iowa City to Larry and Blanche Hartley Morford. Jim married Helen Ruth Stober on February 11, 1967 and she preceded him in death on October 21, 2014. A 1959 graduate of Ottumwa High School, he served with the US Air Force. Jim was an optician, having worked at Langly Optical, Dowling Optical and Eyemart Optical Outlet, retiring in 2005. He was a member of Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, being outdoors and spending time with his family. Surviving is his daughter, Jamie (William) Ferguson of Ottumwa; 2 grandchildren, Breeann Buseman and Blake Buseman and a great-grandson, Ridge Shaw; and a brother, Charles (Sara) Morford of Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Donna Gray and John Morford. Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 25th, at Reece Funeral Home. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion at the funeral home at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 25th, with the family greeting friends until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Cremation will follow the visitation. Memorials may be made to O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.