VERNA, James Joseph

Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory Wickenburg, Arizona James J. Verna March 29, 1925 - December 29, 2011 James Joseph Verna, age 86, passed away Dec. 29, 2011 in Peoria, Az. James was born March 29, 1925 in Plymouth, Wisconsin to Clements "Bingo" Verna and Caroline Elizabeth Steele-Verna. He was raised in Plymouth and Wheaton, Illinois. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the Philippine Islands. While serving in the military he married Doris "Sugar" Creamer. Following his military service he returned home and he and Sugar relocated to St. Louis, Mo. where the first of their daughters was born. They later relocated back to Wheaton, Illinois where 3 more girls were born. James came to Arizona in 1963 and the family followed a few months later. He worked as a "Fender Bender" as was his term for a body and fender man. He later owned his own body shop in Glendale, Az. He retired in 1992, he and Sugar moved to Yarnell, AZ. James enjoyed the outdoors, working on cars and woodworking. He was lovingly referred to as "Grumpy and Great-Grumpy" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved dogs and had several over the years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris "Sugar" Verna in 2001 and brothers, David, Edmond, and Ronald and a sister Shirley Cattenacci. He is survived by his children: Patricia Verna of Peoria, AZ, Donna & husband Steve Ayers of Litchfield Park, AZ, Mary Fairman and Michael Cooper of Donnelly, Idaho, Mellody Knowlton of Peoria, Az,8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. This does not say enough about a lifetime of this wonderful warm and caring man. He is Loved and will be missed. Memorial Services will be held at a later date.