Dr. James Cheever Ramsey, Jr.

February 6, 1915 — August 20, 2010

James Cheever Ramsey, Jr., age 95, died Friday, August 20, 2010 at the Spencer Hospital, Spencer, IA after enjoying his last of many summers at Lake Okoboji. He was born February 6, 1915 in Burlington, IA to James Cheever Ramsey and Alice Winters Ramsey. He graduated St. Paul's High School (Burlington, IA, 1933) and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry (1942). While at Iowa, he swam freestyle for the great Hawkeye teams of the mid-1930's and met his equal both in good looks and brains, Mary Frances Carroll of Spencer, Iowa. They married November 7, 1942 in Lake Forest, IL, where he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station. Their first son, James Cheever, III (Jimmy), was born on November 10, 1943 while James was stationed in Hilo, Hawaii. After the war, he was stationed at Charleston, SC Naval Station where his second son, John Francis, was born September 15, 1946. In 1947, he purchased a dental practice in Audubon, IA, where Mary Carroll (Molly) was born January 24, 1950 followed by Elizabeth Fox (Betsy) on August 6, 1952. While building a successful dental practice, James introduced fluoridation to the water supply, built the first community swimming pool, revitalized the downtown and the city library, provided guidance as a member of the school board culminating in the construction of a new high school in 1965, played an instrumental role at St. Patrick's Church, and participated in the scouting program. Dr. and Mrs. Ramsey moved to Iowa City in 1982 where many new friendships were formed, and college friendships fostered. A long time Hawkeye fan, James supported all sports and held football season tickets for 58 consecutive years. James will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Dr. Ramsey's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Alyce Phyall and Oaknoll staff for their loving care. He is survived by his son, John, Sandy, UT, daughter, Betsy and her husband Ed Hasselman, Minneapolis, MN, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Jimmy, Molly, and Mary Frances.

SERVICES

Funeral Services will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford

OFFICIATING

Father Tom Flanagan

CASKET BEARERS

Doug Palmer Matt Ramsey Joe Fricton Tom Fricton Jim Lagneaux Bob Lagneaux HONORARY CASKET BEARERS John Carroll Joe Carroll

VISITATION

Will be held one hour prior to the Funeral Service

MUSIC

Organist: Jennifer Heller Cantor: Diane Foote

INTERMENT

St. Patrick Cemetery Audubon, Iowa 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Memorial Donations: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Audubon Community High School University of Iowa Museum of Art

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