James ‘Sarge’ Edward Cornelius Sr., 72, of Perry passed away Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the MercyOne West Lakes Medical Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.
A visitation will be held Saturday, March 8 from 9-11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m., at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry.
Sarge was born June 22, 1952, in Carroll, Iowa, to Glen and Teresa (Miller) Cornelius.
He graduated from Carroll High School in 1971 and later attended technical school.
Sarge honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 14 years before continuing his service with the Iowa Army National Guard for many years.
On June 8, 1974, Sarge married the love of his life, Patricia Litjen, in Kansas City, Missouri. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with four children.
Sarge and Pat settled in Perry in 1977, when Sarge began his career at Oscar Mayer Foods. He later retired after working for the Iowa Department of Transportation in Perry.
A dedicated member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry, Sarge was also actively involved in the Knights of Columbus, the Perry Floyd Foster VFW Post 2060 and the Minburn American Legion Osborne Post 99.
Sarge embraced life with passion and determination. He was committed to his fitness, faithfully working out at the McCreary Community Building six days a week.
His love for gardening was unparalleled, and he took great pride in his hard work.
He cherished time spent with family, always making the most of every moment.
An avid horseman, Sarge passed his love of riding on to his grandchildren, often guiding them as they showed horses at the Dallas County Fair.
He was also an enthusiastic outdoorsman who found joy in hunting, fishing and camping.
More than anything, Sarge had a heart of gold. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, share a kind word or brighten someone’s day with his warm smile. His family, especially his grandchildren, was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in teaching them the values that mattered most in life.
Sarge is survived by his loving wife, Pat “Sarge’s Wife” Cornelius of Perry; his children, James Jr. “Jimmy” (Kelli) Cornelius of Minburn, Chelley (Brian) Beck of Arkdale, Wisconsin, Cathie Sucher of Perry and John Cornelius of Madrid; his grandchildren, Katie James and Mason James of Des Moines, Sierra Shore of Ankeny, Catelyn Beck, Cody Beck, Tyler (Lisa) Beck and Brandon (Josi) Beck, all of Arkdale, Wisconsin, Hanna Sucher and Austin Sucher of Perry and Abbie Elston of Madrid; and great-grandchildren: Kalani, Kinsley, Jared, Mia, Anabella, Kolden, Nevaeh and Shelby.
He is also survived by his brother, Russell (Barb) Cornelius of Carroll; sisters, Diane (Denny) Reetz of Carroll, Annette Douglas of Glidden and Joyce (Roger) Behren of Des Moines; brother-in-law, Craig Cory of Iowa Falls; sister-in-law, Nancy Cornelius of Sac City; as well as many nieces; nephews; extended family; and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Teresa Cornelius; his brothers, Kenny and Dick Cornelius; and his sister, Marge Cory.
Sarge’s legacy of kindness, strength and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church or Wounded Warriors. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
