James Neisz
(Sep 23, 1968 - Apr 12, 2018)
James, from Arthur, IA, was happily married to the love of his life, Tanya, and had eight children, who were his pride and joy. James loved fishing and enjoyed anything to do with cars, old and new. Gathering with his family and friends brought great happiness to James, and he is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
James was a giving and loving person in life, so his family knew that he would want to be an eye and tissue donor after his death. One of James’s corneas was donated to Jim, a 77-year-old man from Elmwood, Iowa.
Soon after his generous donation, James’s daughter Melody received a letter from Jim and his wife Mary, expressing their gratitude for the gift of sight. Jim was born with glaucoma and had his left eye removed when he was only eight-years-old. James’s cornea was transplanted into Jim’s right eye, and soon he will be fitted with a special contact that will greatly improve his vision and allow him to live his full life again by enabling him to go to church, the lodge, and visit his family.
Melody promptly responded to Jim and Mary with thanks for their letter. Melody shared that Jim’s transplant took place on her sister’s birthday, and that her grandmother often called James “Jim” or “Jimmy” as a nickname which made the transplant story even more special.
Melody said that it gives her and her family great joy and comfort during this time of sadness to know that Jim will now be able to see and fully enjoy his life because of her father’s selfless act of cornea donation.