James M. Cordes

james cordes
James Cordes, 37, formerly of New Hampton, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020. James was born March 26, 1983, in Iowa City, to Christina Ott and Hans Cordes. He attended New Hampton schools and graduated with the class of 2001. Later, he attended Northeast Iowa Community College. He enjoyed reading during spare time. James is survived by his children Aurora and Collin of Waverly, and Mason of Fredericksburg; his parents of SC; his sister Roxane (Otto Kaske III) of SC; his grandmothers Inge Ott of New Hampton, and Nancy Cordes of SC; his niece and nephew of SC; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. James is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jerry Ott and Ben Cordes, and nephew, Otto Kaske IV. As per request funeral services will be kept private. In lieu of flowers family requests memorials be made to the Conway-Markham Funeral Home, to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com

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  1. Hans and Chris – We are so sorry to read of James’ passing. May your good memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. On behalf of the Andy and Sally Grober family, please accept our deepest sympathy.

  2. I used to be Nancy Nelson. I knew chris from high school. I am SO deeply sorry. My deepest condolences to Chris, hanz and all of your family. Know that you are in the thoughts and hearts of so many people…even from afar. With love, Nancy and Ken Levra and Sons(Jordan, Kyle and Josh)

  3. My thoughts are with you and your families. Hans and I were very close growing up. Please send him my condolences.

  4. I first met James in Kindergarden where we played Ghostbusters with Jessie Eichenburger (James was usually Slimer) until Mrs. Reese forbid us from making particle beam guns out of the velcro bricks. It was great to have a friend who was a fellow Trekkie –“Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives, but I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment… because they’ll never come again.” – Jean-Luc Picard

  5. i miss you as friend and most all how we could talk about any thing . you will be remembered in my family, your friend patrick schumacher

  6. I remember many a recess at New Hampton elementary playing with James. He had a quick and lively imagination, and if we were not play-fighting monsters (TMNT was big then, as was, inexplicably, “Captain Planet”), we would collaboratively write stories. He introduced me to several fantasy series, and the Dragon Riders of Pern. I hope my boys have friends like James. Love from Texas. -Aaron Becker

  7. Andrew, thank you for sharing this funny memory with us. The creativity with the beam guns don’t surprise us haha. Silly trekkies! Love the quote

  8. Hans, Chris, and families, We were so sad to hear of James passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dan & Audrey Lechtenberg

  9. I vividly remember Grandma Inge doting on James and telling stories about him when we worked at Sara Lee. So very sorry to hear of his passing…our sympathy to all his family. May he Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Bob and Peg Brummond

  10. My condolences to all of James’ friends and family. I have been James’ boss for maybe the last 6 months. His mutual friend and I would give him rides to work everyday and could possibly be the last people James’ seen or talked to. I see that the funeral is private which I completely understand but if it would be possible I would be very appreciative to be able to attend and give my condolences so if that is any possibility I can be contacted at 507-429-5818

  11. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Though it has been a while since he and I last spoke, he was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.

  12. My condolences to the Ott and Cordes families. I have good memories of James as a young teen at the library. He loved to read and was always friendly and polite to our staff and other patrons. He had an inquisitive mind and interesting personality. Keep sharing his story.


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