James Verlin Armstrong, 86, of Ottumwa, passed away peacefully in his home on January 24, 2026. He was born on June 17, 1939, to Cecil Charles and Leona Irene Bacus Armstrong.
He married Laura Lue Johnston Moore on October 6, 1962, and she passed away on April 6, 2002. He married Sherry Poling Sumner on December 5, 2003.
A 1957 graduate of Troy High School in Davis County, James served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bennington from 1957 to 1962. He worked for Wareco, Comforts, and John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring from John Deere in 1996, where he was a proud member of UAW Local #74. After retirement, he worked with his brother at Charlie’s Repair. He was a member of the O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Jim was a devoted family man who enjoyed gardening, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, and finding/negotiating a good deal. He was an amazing father—not only to his own children, but to anyone who needed one. His favorite pastime was woodworking, and many family members were recipients of his projects.
Surviving is his wife Sherry; her son Stacy (Donna) Sumner; his children Kevin (Connie) Moore of Ottumwa, Keely (Larry) Ruby of Ottumwa, Karla (Chuck) Bray of Ottumwa, James (Shannah) Armstrong II of Ottumwa, and Jennifer (Geoff) Rupp of Eldridge, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his sister Virginia Albertson of Ottumwa; and brother Charles Armstrong of Bloomfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Laura Lue Armstrong; and his brother, Virgil Armstrong.
His body has been cremated. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday January 28th at Reece Funeral Home.
Graveside services and inurnment will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday January 29th at Shaul Cemetery with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society or Care Initiatives Hospice.
