Obituary of James Darrell Moses

James Darrell Moses, 67, of Newton, the son of Darrell and Dorothy (Watkins) Moses, was born January 23, 1956, in Alton, Illinois.  James passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in Pella, after a long and difficult battle with cancer. 

   As the child of schoolteachers, his family traveled and camped extensively all summer, making for many wonderful family memories.  James was an excellent percussionist, performing with a community orchestra while still in high school.  He graduated from East Alton Wood River High School.  He worked as an electrician for Meisner Electric and Interstate Electric.  He lived in Hawaii and Cedar Rapids before settling in Newton, where he met and married the love of his life, Michele (Jo) Schiller Smead, on September 2, 2006, in their home in rural Newton.  They enjoyed many years together of camping, spending time outdoors, mushroom hunting, watching local eagles, their many trips to Colorado (including the time James tried to make a snow angel on a glacier and slid down the side of the mountain), Friday cocktail hour with family and an occasional cigar.  James remained a loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals, despite having married a Cubs fan.

   Pence – Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

   Those left to honor James’ memory include his wife Jo; his son Scott (Sabrina) Smead of Newton; four grandsons, whom he adored, Karter, Gavin, Luke and Max Smead, all of Newton.  They will greatly miss their Papa Mo.  He is also survived by his sister Pam (Steve) Ford of Vermillion, South Dakota; his brother Bob (Linda) Moses of Richmond, Missouri; his many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and his many extended family and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws: Jerry and Betty Schiller. 

   Per James’ request, there will be no funeral, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Newton Arboretum in Newton, Iowa, 3000 N 4th Ave E.  Condolences may be sent to Jo at 3836  E. 84^th Street S., Newton, Iowa 50208.  Memorials may be directed to the Comfort House in Pella, Iowa or to Jo, to plant a memorial tree.