James J. Casanova

James J. "Jay" Casanova, 67, of Dubuque, died at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, following a lengthy illness.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with

military rites accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

A James J. "Jay' Casanova Memorial Fund has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.

He was born Nov. 16, 1940, in Dubuque, the son of Joseph and Edna Atkinson Casanova.

Jay grew up and attended school in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. He then attended Iowa Wesleyan College and earned his degree, he later earned a Masters in Hospital Administration from California Polytechnic State University.

Jay served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 until 1965.

He had lived and worked in the medical field in California for over 40 years until ill health forced him to retire. In the early 1990s, Jay moved back to Dubuque to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his two aunts, Frances Wittstock of Davenport and Eunice Dolter of Dubuque; and several cousins, including special cousin Darlene Moffett and her husband Mike of Salem.

His parents and brother Mark Casanova preceded him in death.