James John Conrad, 84
James John Conrad, 84, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, on September 3, 2021, after suffering from chronic pain for almost a year.
Jim was born on April 18, 1937, in Bode, Iowa, to Glenn and Orrel (Green) Conrad. The family moved to Mena, Arkansas, in 1937 until 1945, when they relocated to Ordville, Nebraska. They settled in Bridgeport, NE, in 1947. Jim graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1955 and attended one year of college at Scottsbluff College until he voluntarily joined the U.S. Army in March of 1957. He completed Basic Training in Fort Carson, CO, and was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX.
He was joined in marriage to Marjorie Ann Hass on May 26, 1957, at First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport, Nebraska. They moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, until his transfer to Babenhausen West, Germany, in December of 1957. Marge joined him shortly after and they welcomed their first child, Leslie Ann, on August 27, 1958, at the Frankfurt, Germany hospital.
Jim received his Honorable Discharge on February 28, 1959. He returned to Bridgeport and worked for Western Builders as a construction helper, and in 1960 became a Bookkeeper and Salesman for K.L. Neff Lumber Company. During this time, the couple had two more children; Jeffrey James was born on June 12, 1960, and Susan Jane was born on March 30, 1963. He continued to work for Neff Lumber until early 1967 when the business was sold to S.A. Foster Lumber Company, and he became Manager at that time until he resigned in 1984.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport and served as a Trustee, Deacon and Elder four times. He also served for 8 years on the Bridgeport Board of Education serving as Secretary, Vice President and member. He was also active in the Jaycees.
In September of 1984, he and his wife moved to Scottsdale, AZ, and became Assistant Managers of the Riviera Mobile Home Park until December 1, 1988. During this time, they became members of Mountain View Presbyterian Church and were active in Covenant Group.
In December of 1988, they moved to Mesa, AZ, to become Managers of the Pueblo Grande Mobile Home Park until they retired in 2013.
Jim will be missed for many things, but mostly for his kindness, humor and his never-ending silly songs entertaing many of us through the years. He had a meticulous way of documenting/noting everything. He was the very best Husband, Dad, Uncle and Papa, and he will be sorely missed.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marge; daughter, Leslie Biss and daughter Susan (David) Mills; five grandchildren: Kimberly (Jeremiah) Ware, Valerie (Mehmet) Akbulut, Craig (Tiffani) Biss, Taylor Mills and Zachary Mills; and 9 greatgrandchildren: Hannah, Ethan, Isaac, Caleb Ware, Emel and Dean Akbulut and Evelyn, Christian and Hope Biss; sisters-in-law Sharon Frickey and Elsie Conrad; nieces and nephews: Julie, Mary Grace, Ron and Roy Conrad; Tim, Matthew and Russ Frickey; and many dear family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Orrel; brother Bob; parents-in-law Carl and Lena Hass; brother-in-law Roy Frickey; niece Jeanne Schuldies; son Jeffrey James and son-in-law Doug Biss.
Viewing and cremation will take place at Bunker Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona. Memorials made in Jim’s name will be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 652 South Ellsworth Road, Space 90, Mesa, AZ, 85208 or online at conradma79@gmail.com.