James K. “Jim” Cheney, 81, of Dubuque passed away at home surrounded by family on August 20, 2024, from complications of cancer. He was born on September 1st, 1942, to Clyde J. and Erma G. (West) Cheney.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a service of sharing to be held at 4:30 p.m. An honor guard will be provided by the City of Dubuque Police Department from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jim graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in the class of 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Meister, on August 21st, 1965. In 1966, he joined the Dubuque Police Department, where he served as an officer for 30 years. After retiring from the department, he worked as the head of security at Finley Hospital for 15 years.

Jim is the father of three wonderful daughters: Gina (Tim Douglas, fiancé) Reichel, Dubuque; Jamie (Cristian) Chavez, Garland, Texas; and Jolyn (Wayne) Miller, Dubuque. Jim was a very proud father and supported the girls in all of their interests. He was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for 6 years, an AYSO soccer coach, and an avid fan of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s sports activities.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sherry; his three daughters; his grandchildren, Wayne Miller Jr.; Jenna (Alec) Lyster; Jason (Kaitlin Rodriguez, fiancée) Reichel; Stanleyck Chavez; Jayme Miller; and Jacey Miller; and great granddaughter, Aspen Lyster. Also, surviving Jim are his mother-in-law, Loyette Eby; son-in-law, Jeff Reichel; sister-in-law, Pam Cheney; niece, Christina Cheney; nephew, Chris Cheney; and several cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, William C. Meister, and his brother, Richard “Dick” Cheney.

Jim will be missed by his family, and the family truly believes the world was a better place because he was in it.

The family would like to thank Jim’s doctors and nurses that gave him such great care at Finley Hospital, and Dubuque Hospice for making it possible for Jim to be at home, with his family that he loved. A special thank you is given to Jim’s son-in-law, Wayne, for all his compassionate care and assistance in Jim’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Finley Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque, Hawkeye Care Center, and the Dubuque Police Protective Association.