James “Jim” Edward Abbott, 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Clinton, passed away at Harmony Healthcare Center, Cedar Rapids, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Saturday, March 15, at Lemke Funeral Homes — South Chapel. A visitation occurs from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, March 14, at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Lemke Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of James Abbott during this difficult time.

Jim was born in November 23, 1942 in Fulton Illinois, the son of Lee “Nupe” and Grace (Mulligan) Abbott. He was born into a large family of brothers and sisters. Jim had a happy childhood playing outside with friends and family. He also daydreamt of trains and airplanes. He attended high school in Fulton and after graduation he held jobs in the area at manufacturing plants.

Soon after, he met his soon-to-be wife, Connie Parchen. They were united in marriage on April 25, 1965 at St. Irenaeus Church. Shortly after their marriage he was drafted into the Army and fought for two years in Vietnam. During his time there he was able to take furlough away and met Connie in Hawaii for a much-needed vacation.

Shortly after his return to the USA he obtained a job with the US West phone company as a lineman/repairman and celebrated the birth of their twin boys, Daniel and Michael. Jim worked his full carer for US West and enjoyed taking trips in the family camper with his wife and two sons to places such as national parks in Colorado as well as Walt Disney World in Florida. His main hobby and interest was collecting Lionel trains and building and flying model airplanes as well as collecting antiques with his wife, Connie.

After he retired, he became interested in Harley Davidson motorcycles and went on some short trips with his two sons that also rode Harley Davidsons. Jim also earned his pilot’s license, purchased an airplane, and flew his Challenger II ultralight around the Clinton area as well as joined the Erie Illowa Flying Club where he was an active member.

After the passing of his wife, Connie, he met and became close with his lady friend, Donna, and her wonderful and caring family. Jim and Donna enjoyed taking some distant vacations together as well as riding on his Harley motorcycle to local destinations. After the loss of his friend Donna, he relocated to a retirement facility in Iowa City where he was able to spend quality time with his brother, Jon, and make many new friends. Jim was taken to Heaven by our dear Lord after a long, painful battle with cancer and now resides in a glorious place with no pain or suffering.

Jim is survived by his twin sons — Daniel and Michael; sister — Kit (Scott) Clark; and brothers — Rick (Patty) Abbott and Jon Abbott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom (Cheryl) Abbott, and sister Martha (Russ) Kiger.