James “Jim” Murray Rouse, Jr., age 66, of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.
Jim was born on December 22, 1959, in Oskaloosa, IA, to James “Murray” Sr. and Margaret (Gray) Rouse. He grew up attending school in Albia and later moved with his family to Lakeside, California when he was 12, where he went on to graduate from El Capitan High School. He continued his education studying electronics and computer science while in the Marines. On December 27, 1981, he was united in marriage to Linda Topp in Yuma, Arizona. Jim and Linda were blessed with 3 daughters, Launa, Suzanne, and Sadie, and shared 44 years of marriage prior to his passing.
In his younger years, Jim worked alongside his father, Murray, doing construction work. He then served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years working as a Radar Technician and in air traffic control, retiring as an E7 Gunnery Sergeant. His service took him to California, Tennessee, Okinawa, and Australia. Upon returning home, Jim dedicated his career to doing construction and concrete work. He was extremely gifted at his craft and built numerous houses over the years.
A man of strong faith, Jim was a member of the First Christian Church in Albia. He also belonged to the NRA (National Rifle Association), Astor Lodge #505, and Shriners International. Jim enjoyed collecting and shooting guns, especially at the Recreational Shooting Mounds. He had an interest in CB radios and loved playing computer games. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially trail bikes. He was a history enthusiast and enjoyed watching the history channel. Above all else, Jim loved his family and cherished the time spent with them.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; 3 daughters, Launa (Timothy) Paul, Suzanne (Ryan) Howell, and Sadie Rule; 6 grandchildren, Lorelei Paul, Remi Paul, Thatcher Rule, Wembley Rule, Adelyn Howell, and Julian Howell; his parents, Murray and Margaret Rouse; a brother, Jeff (Diana) Rouse; a sister, Julie Messer; and his nieces and nephews, Jason (Meagan) Rouse, Tyler (Ashleigh) Rouse, Mallary (Kyle) King, Trevor (Brooke) Rouse, Jamie (CJ) Lukins, and Natalie Messer, Jim is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, Everett and Violet Rouse and Floyd and Alice Gray.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Jim’s family present to greet family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Albia, with Pastor John Sowers officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose, will follow services at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Monroe County.
Memorials have been established to the First Christian Church in Albia, the Monroe County Hospital, and the Wounded Warriors Program.
