James Mead, age 68, of Correctionville, Iowa, passed away on November 30, 2023, at the Specialty Care Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center of Cherokee, Iowa.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery of Smithland, Iowa.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
James "Jim" "Timbuck" Calvin Mead, was born on March 8,1955, to the proud parents John "Jack" and Inez (Lloyd) Mead in Brainerd, MN. Jim was a dedicated and hardworking individual. He grew up helping on the family farm and was a valued farm hand for many other farmers doing anything from throwing bales, field work, harvesting, animal husbandry, and all other aspects of farming.
He was a 1973 graduate of Westwood high school in Sloan, Iowa. After graduation, he followed his dad and grandfather into law enforcement. He was the Marshall for the town of Smithland, Iowa. It was in Smithland where was introduced to the love of his life, Cindie Lou Mead. He pursued her after her family moved to St. Charles, MO. After several letters, phone calls, and trips down to visit, he eventually brought her back to Iowa. They were married in the Oto Methodist Church on his 19th birthday.
In 1975 Jim had the opportunity to join the police force in Hartington, NE. As a dedicated public servant, Jim rose to the role of Chief of Police in Hartington after graduating from Norfolk Police Academy. Simultaneously his commitment extended to being a volunteer fire fighter, exemplifying his commitment to the safety and wellbeing to others.
He and his bride returned to Mapleton-Smithland, Iowa, area where they were blessed with two cherished daughters Shashawna and Stephanie. Jim's joy knew no bounds and he cherished the time with his two beloved daughters, imparting wisdom, providing guidance, committing to nurture their growth and actively parenting them in any way possible.
Jim served as a compassionate supervisor at Iowa Beef Processors (IBP) in Dakota City, NE. He came to be known for his remarkable ability to transform troubled areas into thriving production lines. This dedication to excellence and leadership touched the lives of many colleagues. Jim went on to work for Farmland in Denison, IA, as an individual contributor for life & work balance and give more time and energy to his family.
The family's journey led the family to Correctionville, IA, driven by Cindie's career with IDOT. Jim's commitment to family was beyond words-relocating his parents to Correctionville Specialty Care was a testament of his unwavering devotion.
In the role of a devoted son, husband and father, Jim selflessly prioritized the needs of his parents, wife, and children always putting their well-being above his own. As life unfolded and Jim's parents passed away, Jim was faced with reality of severed family ties with his siblings and extended family.
Jim's journey in Correctionville unfolded through various chapters of hard work and dedication. From laboring at a hog confinement, Roggatz Tree Service to volunteering a helping hand during hard times at the Deming and Buzz Thomas farms, he embraced the role of helping those in need. He embraced the valued of honest toil.
After leaving the acreage and moving into the town of Correctionville, he loved being able to help friends and neighbors Ruby and "Cappy" King who welcomed them into their family as one of their own. He missed them and talked about them often after their passing.
The trucking industry became a significant part of Jim's career, driving for Kent Feeds, Highland Transport, and Anthony P & L. However, as technology advanced, his steadfast refusal to embrace electronic logbooks marked the end of a fulfilling chapter, leading to his retirement.
During his retirement Jim continued to enjoy life surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren every chance he had. Jim will be missed by many very good friends as well as his family.
Left to cherish his memory include his cherished wife Cindie Mead of Correctionville, IA; his daughters Shashawna (Jacob "Jake") Beneke of Ankeny, IA and Stephanie (Keith) Mead-Brat of Ute, IA. He was the very proud Popa of grandchildren Omarion, Tyson, Jazi, Amora and Eva Beneke. He is also survived by his chosen family Patrick & Charlene Doyle, Melissa & Rodney Copple, Sherry Christian and her family; brother-in-law Larry Barngrover Sr.; sisters-in-law Rita (Butch) Hoeter and Toni (Steve) Nickerson; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dogs Hazel & Wilber.
He was preceded in death by his parents John "Jack" and Inez Mead; his chosen second mom Margaret Doyle; mother-in-law Joyce Barngrover; father-in-law Ernest Barngrover; a niece and a nephew.
Jim spent 7 weeks and 2 days in the Unity Point-St. Lukes Regional Medical Center. He would always ask where his princess was if Cindie was out of his sight. Jim was a favorite patient on Floor 5A and the family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received from the nurses, techs, housekeeper Julie, and volunteer Mary during their stay with them.
Jim was moved to the Specialty Care Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Cherokee on November 27, 2023. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff who went out of their way to make them feel welcomed and at home with them for the short time he was there.
Cemetery Details
Location
Smithland, IA 51056
