John Myers

John David Myers (Jim to family, friends, and co-workers) passed away on July 8, 2025, after a brief illness with kidney failure. 

Jim was born on July 16, 1938 to Osce Myers and Marian Nissen Myers. Jim grew up in the rural farm area of NE Iowa. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1956. While attending school, he met his future wife, Mary Ann Collins. After high school he enlisted in the Navy for two years. He spent time in the Pacific Ocean and in parts of Japan. When his two years were finished, he returned to La Porte City and married Mary Ann in November of 1958. To this union, they were blessed with seven beautiful children, Christina, Angie, Rick (Virginia), Shellie, Jim (Carmen), and the twins, Joshua (Keri) and Jeremy (Trish).

He started his working career at John Deere. He decided he wanted more out of his life. He attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, while running their computer department. Upon graduation, he moved his family to Forest City IA to work at Winnebago. He continued to advance his skills with career moves to Hampton IA, Bowling Green KY, Pittsburgh PA, and Greenville SC. He also worked contracts in CA, ID, and GA until he officially retired in 2003.

Jim and Mary Ann later divorced, but maintained a friendly relationship until her death. Jim married Lia Alves de Brito. They established a home in Mariette GA and Brazil. He enjoyed his time in Brazil. Jim embraced the culture and all it had to offer. Upon the  death of Lia, Jim returned to the United States and set up a life in Waterloo, IA. He enjoyed staying active by delivering newspapers to the rural areas of Brandon, Shady Grove, and other small communities. In his later years he lived in GA, VA, and SC with and near his children.

His mother and father divorced when he was young. His mother married Gene Kocher. Gene took Jim under his wing and became the father figure Jim needed growing up. Gene was generous and kind to him, his wife, and to his seven children. One would never know that Gene was not Jim’s biological father.

Jim is preceded in death by Lia, Mary Ann, his mother Marian, step-father Gene, Osce, his son Rick, his siblings Butch (Dale) Myers, and Kevin Kocher. He is survived by his remaining six children, his sister Linda Johnson, Lia’s children, Veronica Dodge-Sousa, Joe B Brito, and Dawna Bennett, fourteen grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nineteen great step-grandchildren, and two great great step- grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held November 8, 2025 in Greenville, SC.