James 'Jim ' Deatsch, 01 Jan 1942 - 14 Nov 2018

DEATSCH, WARRALL, SHULL, SCHNIDER, REYNOLDS, JONES, GOODELL

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 11/29/2018 at 16:11:16

JAMES 'JIM' DEATSCH
Holbrook

James 'Jim' Deatsch passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. Our Lord called Jim home to tend his heavenly gardens after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jim was born to George and Alice Deatsch in Iowa City, the youngest of four boys. Jim had a great work ethic and passed this on to everyone he met. At the age of 8, Jim developed polio, which he overcame.

In his mid 20s he married Marlene Warrall of Millersburg, whom he later divorced. From this union three children were born, Jimmy (Cathy) Deatsch of North Liberty, Paula (Shane) Shull of North Liberty and Kelly (Chris) of Kansas.

On Aug. 2, 1983, Jim married the love of his life and his best friend, Sandy Schnider, and became Dad or Pops to her five children, Brian (Melissa) Reynolds of Cedar Rapids, Ray (Kim) Reynolds of Nevada, Iowa, Bruce (Linda) Reynolds of Cosgrove, Iowa, Lisa (Jeff) Jones of Holbrook and Susan (Aaron) Goodell of Williamsburg. Jim never believed in the word 'step' and loved all eight the same way, with 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and one more expected in December.

At the age of 19, Jim began his 39-year career at the University of Iowa, working his way up the ladder to retire at the age of 57 as the manager of steam and water distribution.

Jim and Sandy purchased their little piece of heaven in Holbrook and together they created their beautiful acreage. Jim's huge weedless gardens each year grew a huge bounty of vegetables for family and neighbors and friends.

Jim also enjoyed giving golfing lessons to one of his dearest friends, Mike, and his son, Patton, as well as Ray and, most recently, Bruce. Jim was an avid hunter and each hunting season he so looked forward to his hunting group, Steve, Kathy and Bruce, and, in earlier years, hunting with his brothers, Mark and Cliff (now deceased).

It is said God only takes the best and he now has the best. Per Jim's instructions, he has been cremated.

The entire family invites all who knew this great man to attend the Celebration of Life gathering at the Windham Bar and Grill on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, from 1 to 5 p.m. Come share food and memories, of which there are many.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.

The Gazette, 17 Nov 2018 10a