James Harold Commack, Sr

James Harold Commack Sr., 91, of Waterloo, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. He was born November 13, 1931, in Waterloo, the son of William H. and Eliza Green Commack. He joined the United States Army in 1951 with a tour of duty in Korea. During his time in the Army, he received the Korean Service Medal W/3 Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. His most significant duty assignment was Btry C 739 AAA Gun Bn APO 301. After being discharged from the Army in 1953, James then served in the Army Reserves Artillery until he was Honorably Discharged in 1959.

James married Eva Roby, they later divorced. He married H. Delores Keeling on August 30, 1973, in Cedar Rapids. He worked for 30 years at Rath Packing until they closed, and then worked as a custodian at UNI. After retiring from UNI, he worked as a security guard at the National Guard Armory. He had also owned the Birdland Nightclub in Waterloo. James was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping. He also loved music; he played the drums and upright bass; he had a jam session every weekend in his younger days. James was a member of Gift of Life Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years Delores Commack of Waterloo; his son Clyde Roby of MS; daughters: Verdreamer Collette of Waterloo, Tina Ball of AZ, Senoria (Lonnie) Rogers of AZ, and Jonella Rollinger of AZ; a step-son, Pastor Tony (Esther) Keeling of Detroit, MI; and step-daughters: Rhonda Keeling of GA, Brigette Keeling of Waterloo, LaTanya Graves of Waterloo; and a sister, Ruccell Pearson, of Waterloo, and one daughter-in-law, Helen Commack of AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: James Commack, Jr, and Thomas Roby; a daughter, Louise Roby; two sisters: Josie Vivians, and Mardena Banks; and three brothers: Donald Commack, Lee Samuel Commack, and Paul Commack; and two granddaughters: Viva Smith, and Kourtnee Green; and one great grandson Jaramie Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2023, at Impact Church of Hope in Waterloo, with inurnment and military honors following at Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo. Military honors by American Legion Becker Chapman Post #138, Waterloo VFW Post #1623, and the Iowa Army National Guard. Memorials may be directed to the family at 310 Mobile St. in Waterloo.