James Laabs

September 30, 1935 - April 1, 2022

James Arthur Laabs of Midway, Arkansas, passed away April 1, 2022, in Midway, Arkansas at the age of 86. He was born September 30, 1935, in Curtiss, Wisconsin, the son of Orville and Margaret Williams Laabs. He married Karen Ann Russell in 1988 in Davenport, Iowa and worked as an equipment specialist for the government. James was a U.S. Army veteran and lived in Midway since moving from Iowa in 2002. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and was a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. James is survived by his wife, Karen Russell of Midway, AR; daughters, Caroline (Jeff) Kersten of Texas, and Ruth Jane (RJ) Hojka of Iowa; sons, Kevin (Sarah) Anderson of Colorado, and Sean (Cathy) Anderson of Iowa; six grandchildren; and sister, Judy (Richard) Goff of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Kathleen Koehler. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7, 2022, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Service for James will be 10:00 am, Friday, April 8, 2022, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Celebrant Heather Marsalis, officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Alley-White American Legion Post #52 and U.S. Army Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to your local Humane Society. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.