James R. "Jim" Moore

BEETOWN - James Rodney Moore, age 76, of Beetown, passed away on Monday March 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born on July 13, 1949, in Lancaster to Gerald Harlan Moore and Betty Jo (VanNatta) Moore. Jim graduated in 1968 from Lancaster High School and was drafted in the United States Army in 1969 where he was honorably served. Following his time in the service, he drove milk truck for Schurman’s Cheese and said it was the best job he ever had. After he entered an apprentice program at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, IA, for three years, he became a Journeyman Ironworker. He was a member of the Iowa Ironworkers Local 89 Union for 30 years until his retirement in 2010. Along with his brother Bob, they were part of building the two bridges in Dubuque, IA along with tearing down the Eagle Point bridge. Stories shared by both, of climbing to the highest points of the Dubuque/Wisconsin bridge, back in a time when safety practices were far different than today. He also worked in commercial and structural iron work contributing to major projects in the area. Jim was also a member of the American Legion Post 551 Beetown. He found enjoyment in the things he loved most like collecting guns and racing. He appreciated the outdoors driving his UTV/ATV around the land, mushroom hunting and hunting deer & turkey. Him and brother Bob spent time logging the land and splitting firewood. On August 4, 1979 he was united in marriage to Pamela Buttikofer for 46 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Pam; children Kari (Cody) Gilcrease of Austin, TX and Bradley Moore of Lancaster; grandchildren Ethan Moore and Isla Gilcrease; brother Bob (Cindy) Moore of Pomona, CA and sister Vicki (Jim) Jensen of Beetown; brother in laws Jeff (Pam) Buttikofer of Queen Creek, AZ and Fred Buttikofer of La Crosse, WI; sister-in-laws Nancy Moore of Lancaster, Brenda Flatten of LaCrescent, MN, Diane (Andy) Begeman of LaCrosse, WI, Barb Buttikofer of Altoona, WI; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and Pam’s parents; brother Dr. Donald Moore; brother-in-laws Gary Buttikofer, Rick Buttikofer, Bill Taylor and Duane Flatten; sister-in-law Linda Taylor; nephews Chris Buttikofer, Scott Buttikofer and Billy Taylor.

Memorial services will be held on Friday April 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Noon at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster, officiated by Pastor Mark Hoehne. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Military honors will be held after the service at the funeral home by Thorpe-Taylor American Legion Post 551, Richard Burns American Legion Post 109, and William Pollock VFW Post 2344.

The family would like to thank Grant County Hospice for all of the care and services provided at his home.