James Fleming

Oskaloosa. James Lee Fleming, 87, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, February 7, 2011, at Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab. in Oskaloosa. He was born October 15, 1923, at Taintor, Iowa, the son of Chanley and Lucille Sheesley Fleming. He graduated from the Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1942. He served his country in WWII in the United States Navy. On April 20, 1943, James was united in marriage to (Audrey) Neomi Hanna at Fairfield, Iowa. Following his discharge he went to work at Lamberson Ford as a Trainee Mechanic. He then moved to the sales department and began selling Ford tractors. He later took a sales position traveling the country selling for Dukehart-Hughes Heavy Equipment. In 1970, he went into partnership in a Ford Dealership in Knoxville known as Agan-Fleming Ford. He sold the dealership and retired in 1985. Neomi died on June 21, 2000. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was a member of the Shrine and the American Legion.

His family includes his son and his wife, William and Donna Fleming of Overland Park, Kansas and Cape Coral, Florida; two step grand daughters; a step great grandson; five sisters: Gayle (& Jerry) Ferguson of New Sharon, Katherine Craver of Pella, Ruth (& Baird) Phillips of New Sharon, May Klinzman of Overland Park, Kansas, and Arlene (& Don) Cassens of Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Richard Fleming; and a sister: Esther Knowler.

Visitation will begin Thursday morning after 10 a.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be present at the funeral chapel on Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at a later date.

Source: Bates Funeral Chapel