James W. Sanger Sr., 76, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at his home.

James Wayne Sanger was born on September 3, 1950, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Howard and Helen (Stender) Sanger.  He graduated from Maquoketa High School.  James proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard during Vietnam.  He married Sara Gavin in 1970, and they had a son, James Wayne Sanger Jr.  They later divorced.

James worked at Caterpillar Inc. in Mt. Joy, Iowa.  He moved to Washington state where he worked as a machinist for 8 years before returning to Maquoketa in 1996.  He worked for Northrup – Drummond, which became Cobham, as a machinist, retiring in 2012.

James was an avid sports fan.  He was a longtime St. Louis Cardinals and New England Patriots fan.  He enjoyed supporting his grandsons and watching their little league baseball games, and talking football with his grandson Noah.  James also followed NHRA Professional Drag Racing.  He also loved the time he spent squirrel hunting and bass fishing with his son James. 

Those left to honor James’s memory include his son James (Sara) Sanger Jr. of Davenport; his grandsons Owen and Noah Sanger of Davenport; and his brothers Kenny Sanger of Maquoketa, Don (Pam) Sanger of Marion, IA, Gary (Brenda) Sanger of Maquoketa, and Dennis Sanger of Maquoketa.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, October 16, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.