James Byson, Sr.

James P. Byson, Sr., 84, of Barnum passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 peacefully at home with family.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the chapel of Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Burial will follow in North Lawn Cemetery. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jim was raised and graduated in LuVerne, Iowa. He married Helen Wharem in 1962 and after a couple of years, made their home in Barnum where they raised their family. Jim owned and operated Byson Oil Company for 50 years at the time of his retirement.

He is survived by his children, Donna (Mark) Freeman, Jim Jr. (Wendy) Byson, Shelly (Duane) Zobrosky and Susan Byson; grandchildren, Mark (Hailey) Freeman, Cody (Alicia) Freeman, Kyle Freeman, Anna Freeman, Megan (Patrick) Kennedy, Morgan (Ted) Hanson, David (Danielle) Moore; great-grandchildren, Jensen, William, Alexis, Allie, Nora, Kennedy, Hudsyn and Madden; sister, Betty Vorrie and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, mother Margaret, brothers John and Louis and sisters Ethel Helmers and Doris Schmidt.

Memorials may be left to family discretion.