James Braet

James V. “Jim” Braet, 66, of Eldridge, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a year and a half struggle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge where he was a member. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the church. Burial with military honors conducted by the American Legion Carl Jacobsen Post 639 of Eldridge will be held at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the family for use towards Jim’s grandchildren’s education. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jim was born September 18, 1945 in Davenport, the son of Victor & Marie (Lanoo) Braet and was a 1964 graduate of North Scott High School. On January 30, 1965, Jim was united in marriage to Connie Steenbock at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He had built his own home in 1976 and retired from White Roofing in Eldridge after 28 years of service.

He was a past member of the Eldridge Jaycees where he had received the Governor’s Award and was a past member of the Knights of Pynthias #118.

Jim was a member of the American Legion Carl Jacobsen Post 639, the Tuesday Night Sheephead Club and North Scott Lancer Alumni.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed his grandchildren immensely; he loved to play card games and travel. He was an avid supporter of Lancers football and basketball. Jim also enjoyed his workshop and helping others in need of remodeling their homes or shops. He had worked with his son-in-law, Joe every weekend until the last few days.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife, Connie; his daughter and son-in-law, Renee & Joe Ward of Eldridge; his grandchildren, Darren, Brandon & Becca; his step-grandchildren, Josh & Kyle; his sister and brother-in-law, Earl & Dorothy Kuhl and their families; his aunt, Frieda Braet; several cousins; and the extended families of the Wyatt & Diana Frahm family, the Don & Nancy Claussen family and the Jan Rathjen family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters.