Jim Maloney

Charles James "Jim" Maloney, one of two children of Lois (Schinkle) Maloney and Charles Joseph Maloney, was born in Lenox, Iowa on November 16, 1928. Jim grew up in the Lenox and Sharpsburg, Iowa area where he attended country school and helped his parents farm.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a machine gunner during the Korean War.

Jim and Loretta Maxine "Rita" Simmons were married in Conway, Iowa on December 21, 1952. They made their first home on Jim's parent's farm in Conway, and later moved to Silver City where they lived with Rita's parents until purchasing their own home. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Charles Michael "Mike" Maloney. The family were active members of the Silver City United Methodist Church.

Jim worked at the Glenwood State Hospital School for several years, before accepting a job as the maintenance man at the Nishna Cottage Care Center in Malvern, Iowa, where he remained until his retirement in 1993.

Jim and Rita enjoyed dancing and playing country music. Rita sang and played the mandolin, banjo, dobra, and tinner guitar while Jim played the washtub base. They performed in music festivals all over the country, and were responsible for the development of the Mills County Country Music Festival held each year in Malvern. Jim was also a member of the Silver City American Legion Gordon May Post 439.

Jim and Rita had been married 53 years when Rita died in 2006. Later that year, Jim suffered a stroke and moved to the Woodlands Rehabilitation Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He died at the Center on January 13, 2011, at the age of 82 years, 1 month, and 27 days.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Rita.

Jim is survived by his son Mike Maloney and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs; sister Carol Layton of Texas; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Memorials suggested to Silver City United Methodist Church and Silver City Volunteer Fire Department.