James J. Bryant

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, James (Jim) J. Bryant, loving husband and father of three sons, passed away at age 85. A graveside service will be held Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at Oakdale Memorial Gardens, Davenport, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in Jim’s name to: Lake Mills Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 61, Lake Mills, Iowa 50450 Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, Ga. is in charge of arrangements.
Jim was born June 13, 1936 in Hartley, Iowa, to Harold and Violet (Thortsen) Bryant. He received his BA in education from the State Teachers College of Iowa (UNI) and his Master’s in education from Colorado State University.
He was a teacher, coach and principal for almost 50 years in various schools across Iowa, longest tenured in Ventura and Lake Mills.
On September 2, 1956, he married Joyce Ann Gruhn. They raised three sons: Jeff, Terry and Brad.
 Jim had a passion for working with children, fishing, golfing, reading and of course, football. He and his wife loved traveling across the U.S. and vacationing in Destin, Fla. each winter after retirement. He was a very supportive father and grandfather. He was known for his support of his students and players in their many events, seldom missing a concert or game or whatever endeavor the students were involved in.
He is survived by two sons: Jeff Bryant (Melinda), Okatie, S.C.; and Terry Bryant (Dawn), Cumming, Ga.; along with three grandchildren: Jennifer Bryant, Waukee; Sarah Bryant, Davenport; and Jack Bryant, Cumming, Ga.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Harold; his mother, Violet; his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce; his son, Brad; and his sisters: Jermaine Welch and Janaan Barker