Memorial
James Edward Siegling was born on July 13, 1945, in Cumberland, Maryland and was a loving son to his parents, Blanche Lovetinsky Siegling (whom he adored) and Lee Siegling. He was the beloved big brother of his sisters Pat (Hugh) Maher, Janet Thompson, and his pesky little brother Scott Siegling.
It was the way that Jim lived his life that earned him the love and respect of so many people in his physical community, his spiritual community, and in his life in general. He married the love of his life, Kathleen Amor Beaty, on July 15, 1967. Together, they demonstrated the very essence of what a loving marital relationship should look like. At the age of 20, he enlisted for service in the United States Navy, where he served honorably for five years between 1965 and 1970. During that time, he was stationed in San Diego, California; Brunswick, Maine; and Puerto Rico.
He was the proud father of two daughters, Robin (Adam) Mangold and Angie (Tim) Hicks, and a son Byungsuk Kim Siegling. The family lived in Cedar Rapids for many years. After completing his service to his country, Jim worked as a Purchasing executive in the Aerospace industry. His career eventually took the family to Monument, Colorado; to Jamestown, North Dakota; and finally, back to Cedar Rapids.
Jim loved being a part of the lives of his grandsons Mathew (Jewelia) Hicks and Parker Hicks. He stepped up to take them to Boy Scouts, Baha’i class, and soccer practices whenever he was needed. On the last day of his earthly stay, he was able to meet his great-grandson, Alun.
Jim believed strongly in God, and practiced his faith actively. He was a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Cedar Rapids for many years. He had the privilege of visiting the seat of his faith in Haifa many times. Those visits had a considerable impact on how he lived his life, intensifying his belief and understanding of the oneness of humanity, freedom from prejudice, and the inherent nobility of the human being.
He also believed strongly in the Iowa Hawkeyes, and he watched (and re-watched) every game that he could. Jim was the most kind, humble, and loving man that anyone would want to meet. He had a quick wit and sense of humor that he passed down to his kids. During his last two years at the Anamosa Care Center, he was well-loved amongst the staff members and he loved and appreciated his amazing caregivers. An avid Bingo player, he accumulated quite the collection of stuffed plush animals. He was also an excellent Cribbage player, and very seldom lost a game.
Jim passed on to the eternal kingdom on January 17, 2022, in Anamosa, Iowa, at the age of 76. As in his life, he will continue to watch over all of us. A private graveside service was held on January 19. Due to the current COVID outbreak, the family will hold a Celebration of Life Memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to the Anamosa Care Center or The Michael J. Fox Foundation in his name.