James Seward

James "Jim" Seward, age 65, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones Monday, June 9th at the University of Iowa Hospital following a massive stroke. 

Jim was born on October 8th, 1959 in Davenport, IA to James and Mary Seward. He completed a bachelor's degree in Theatre and Speech from St. Ambrose University in 1982. Jim and Becky were married at the St. Ambrose University chapel on September 4th, 1982, and spent 43 years married, building a life and family together. The two have been members of the St. John Vianney Catholic parish for the entirety of their married lives together.

 After spending a brief period of time managing a Geifman's grocery store, where he met the love of his life, Becky, Jim began what would be his lifelong career in strategic planning at the Rock Island Arsenal. He worked there for 41 years and received numerous awards and honors for his work there. Truth be told, he was most proud of the times he made people laugh with the silly jokes and characters he used to get the job done while keeping things interesting. 

Jim filled his life outside of work with all kinds of fun things, including playing cards, listening to music, painting miniature models, reading and watching science fiction, and watching old horror movies and shows. He particularly enjoyed reading and collecting comic books, to the point that this hobby necessitated a room of its own in his home. Jim was an avid professional wrestling fan from childhood, which inspired him to pursue acting. He loved performing and was seen throughout the years on many local stages, including Quad City Music Guild, Countryside Community Theatre, Genesius Guild, St. Ambrose University Theatre, It’s a Mystery, Ghostlight Theatre, and Playcrafters Barn Theatre. He even achieved a lifelong dream of starring in the Acri Creature Feature during its latest revival season in 2003. More than anything, Jim loved being with his family and did everything he could to notice and celebrate their accomplishments, big and small.

 Jim is survived by his loving wife, Becky, his sons Nick (Amy) Seward and Tony (Denise Johnson) Seward, his daughter Stephanie (Michael) Brey, grandson Andy Seward and granddaughters Lily Seward and Clara Brey, his brother Danny Seward, his sister-in-law Tanya Seward and her children Brandon (Tori) Seward and Sheraden Seward, as well as nieces Kelly Budd, Jennifer Budd, Lisa St John, and nephews David Budd, Eric Budd, and Jeremy Budd. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Seward, his brother Kevin Seward, and his sister Madonna Seward. 

A visitation for Jim will be held from 4-6pm on Friday, June 13th, 2025 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4097 18th St, Bettendorf, IA. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 9-10am at the church followed by a service at 10am. The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting St. John Vianney YouTube Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations in Jim's honor to be made to King's Harvest animal shelter and the Bettendorf Ecumenical Food Pantry. Jim's family would like to extend gratitude to the donor network, who helped Jim give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Family advocate Lindsey Gasper supported the family in Jim's last moments with warmth, empathy, and silly jokes that he would've loved.

 "Never knowingly be serious. Rule 27." - Doctor Who