James "Jim" Wayne Kisner Sr.

James Wayne (Jim) Kisner was born on May 1, 1943 to George and Margaret (Blanchard) Kisner in Muscatine, Iowa. Jim graduated from Muscatine High School in 1961. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother Bob and Uncle Chet growing up in Muscatine.

In November of 1961, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. He took great pride in his job as a machinist ADJ 3rd mate. He worked on the latest and greatest jets of the 1960’s while stationed in California at NAS Miramar and NAS LeMoore. Tours at sea were limited to off the coast of California on aircraft carriers. Jim’s time in the Navy extended due to the increased intensity of the conflict in Vietnam. He received a honorable discharge on November 23, 1967.

After his time in the service, Jim returned to the Midwest and settled in Davenport, Iowa. He was the first in Iowa to use the GI bill to go through a Meat Cutters Apprenticeship. Jim’s vocation, a Journeyman Meat Cutter, was a perfect fit for a man that loved food, cooking and people. Over the years, Jim’s helpful, friendly demeanor served him well as he took care of his customers at Quad City Foods, Cub Foods, The Old Smoke House and HyVee #3. Colleagues admired not only his abilities, but also especially his focus on customer service. It showed that Jim truly loved his work. Jim developed friendships with customers who would ask for Jim to take care of their orders while visiting the meat counter. One friend and coworker says they still pass on the teachings of “Big Jim” all the time in the meat department and described Jim as someone who “never had a bad day.” Jim enjoyed working and was willing to share his skills and experience with new employees. He was a proud employee of HyVee for the last 20 years of his working life.

Sitsmacher Ski Club provided Jim the opportunity to learn and master a sport that brought him great joy. Adventurous and fun loving, Jim was always ready for ski trips and club activities. He and his ski group became life-long friends that share fond memories of their good times on the Colorado slopes – to this day, they still show up for one another. This group is where Jim eventually met Janice. Looking back, their 36+ years of marriage is another one of Jim’s great accomplishments. Not always easy, the companionship of one who knows you as well as you know yourself and loves you, holds great value. Jim and his son Kensyl, shared a close bond. Kensyl refers to his father as his best friend and hero.

According to Janice, Jim woke up annoyingly happy every morning. He was often up early working on his garden, singing or working on one of his projects – one of which was his specially designed and custom-built garage on Iowa Street in Davenport. He was a great cook, a seasoned gardener, and loved DIY projects. Janice often found herself at “the other end” of one of these many projects, patiently anticipating the finished product. It was amazing what they could accomplish together.

His mother, father, and his sister, Mary Jo, preceded Jim in death.

Those left to honor his memory are his loving wife Janice; his son James Jr and wife, Wendy; his grandchildren, Kate and Cole; his son Kensyl and partner Ashley; his brother Bob and wife Anne; his nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Genesis LIFT Program. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Weerts Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow the visitation with full military honors.