March 29, 2024

Charles “Al” “C.J.” Gerald Fox,

Charles “Al” “C.J.” Gerald Fox, 67, of Newton, died on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

C.J. was born on February 24, 1946 to Charles Wayne and Wilma (Johnson) Fox in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy from October of 1963 to February of 1970.

Following the service, C.J. made his home in Seattle and Everett, Wash. where he lived for 20 years.

While there, he worked at a radio station and for a logging business, before starting his business “The Lighting Store.”

In May of 2007, he moved his business from Everett to Newton, Iowa.

C.J. was a member of the American Legion Post 111 and many organizations related to his work with bowling alleys and the entertainment industry.

C.J. was instrumental in starting the Karaoke and Cosmic Bowling crazes.

C.J. was a great community supporter and gave of his talents to many local events. He truly never met a stranger.

Those left to celebrate C.J.’s memory are his daughter, Kolleen Fox of Sedley Wooly, Wash.; mother, Wilma Bellafiore of Smithville, Mo.; siblings, Tom (Bobbie) Fox of Galva, Ill., Kay (Denver) Wright of Smithville, Mo., Marlys (Jerry) Clevenger of Lawson, Mo., and Dave (MaryLena) Fox of Cameron, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Missy, Mindy, Josh, and Phil; his many great nieces and nephews and cousins; his “work family”; many friends; and his dog, Dog.

A celebration of C.J.’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the Lighting Store, 1213 E. 10th St. N. in Newton, although in true C.J. fashion you can show up at 1:47 P.M.

Following the service there will be a New Orleans style funeral walk followed by a reception back at “The Lighting Store.” C.J. requests everyone to wear bright colors for this celebration of his life.