Grahlmann, James Kenneth 1931 - 2011

GRAHLMANN, DICKMAN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/24/2011 at 21:13:45

James Grahlmann

Date of Death
Thursday, February 10, 2011

Le Mars, Iowa

James Grahlmann, 79, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Abiding by his wishes, Jim was cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with Reverend Jason Larson of the Le Mars United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from noon until service time on Wednesday.

James Kenneth Grahlmann was born November 5, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim was later adopted as a young child by William F. and Ruth M. (Dickman) Grahlmann. Jim was raised in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Central High School. While in high school, Jim was very active and interested in theater and played basketball. He enjoyed participating in high school stage productions. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy on July 30, 1950. He served his country until being honorably discharged in May of 1954. He settled in San Diego and furthered his education at San Diego State University. He graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Theater Arts. He participated in several college productions and local productions. Following graduation, Jim worked as an aspiring actor and in the electronics industry for General Dynamics.

Jim auditioned and received acting work with the television show, Hawaii 5-0. While filming the show, Jim became reacquainted with an old friend who recently purchased a restaurant in Hawaii from Frank Sinatra. He eventually became the manager of famous restaurant, Matteos. Along with managing the resuraunt, Jim was able to be involved with several episodes of Hawaii 5-0.

He later returned to Los Angeles and reoccurring roles in such series as Bronk, Jigsaw John, and the Six Million Dollar Man. He was also the on camera spokesman for the U.S. Air Force for several years.

In 1978, Jim purchased a radio station in Spokane, Washington. Jim had stored a career of mementos from his acting years at the radio station with dream of opening another restaurant in Spokane. Unfortunately a fire destroy the station along with his acting mementos. After selling the radio station in 1981, Jim retired and moved to Florida. In 1991, Jim returned to Los Angles and later moved back to Le Mars, Iowa.

He is survived by 5 daughters, Jami Wood and her husband Chris of San Marcus, CA, Lori Marschall and her husband Matt of Escondido, CA, Marci Gielczyk and her husband Joe of Escondido, CA, Kristi Bruner of Ranchita, CA, and Suzi Keck and her husband Dan of Spokane, WA; 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; and a sister Helen Anderson and her husband Harry of Sherman Oaks, CA.

Carlsen Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa