James L. Canfield

James L. Canfield, age 66 of Fairfield, IA, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

His body has been cremated. A visitation with the family will be held 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, July 30 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. No memorial services are planned and a private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

The family requests memorials be made in lieu of flowers to SE Iowa Skeet Club. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
1006 W. Jefferson Apt C
Fairfield, IA 52556

James L. Canfield was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 21, 1943, the son of Clyde C. and Helga M. (Schwanke) Canfield. He graduated from Cedarburg High School in Cedarburg, WI in 1961. He resided in Fairfield since 1962, graduating from Parsons College in 1966. He married Leah Spates in 1968 and they were later divorced.

Mr. Canfield taught Earth Science for 26 years at the Fairfield Middle School, as well as coaching football and track, retiring in 1992. He was employed at the Dexter Foundry from 1994-2006. Mr. Canfield was a long-time member of the Izaak Walton Trap & Skeet Club, Ducks Unlimited, the Fairfield Rifle Club and the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He will be remembered by his family, students, fellow educators, and friends.

Surviving Mr. Canfield are his children and their families: Amy LaCroix and husband Mark of West Des Moines, IA, and April Canfield of Fairfield, brother by friendship Hal Labkon of Fairfield, and his former wife, Leah Canfield, also of Fairfield. Mr. Canfield was blessed with five grandchildren: Jaden Canfield, Anna LaCroix, Jaianya Olden, Phoenix Hagans, and Charles LaCroix. Survivors include his sister, Dawn Dohmeyer and husband David of Menomonee Falls, WI; four nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister Yolanda Rebholz.