James Robert Whitslar was born on April 24, 1964 in Shenandoah, Iowa., the son of George Delbert and Peggy Marie (Nicholas) Whitslar. He entered peacefully into rest surrounded by his sisters on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the Lexington Square Nursing Home in Keokuk, Iowa, following a brave battle with cancer.

James grew up on a farm outside of Essex. When he was younger he loved to fish and hunt. James graduated from Shenandoah High School. He enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics where he won many medals, which he proudly displayed on his wall. Some of his other interests included playing cards, dominoes, collecting knives, creating craft projects using beads and watching obscure science fiction movies.

He was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Jean, his parents and both sets of grandparents.

Those left to honor his memory include his sisters Linda Rascon and husband Emilio of Shenandoah, Carol Whitslar and partner John Romero of Cheyenne, WY and brother Delbert Whitslar and wife Karen, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.


Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Tuesday morning, 1 hour prior to services.

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Special Olympics.