Bobby Dean James, 95, of Blakesburg, passed away on June 25, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born April 14, 1931 to Thomas and Mary Almiri Kinsey James in their small home in Avery, Iowa, joining his brothers Euguene and James and sister, Caroline.
Bobby attended a one-room schoolhouse in Avery and then Albia before going to live with his grandparents, Eli and Jenny James, near Blakesburg. While living with his grandparents, he helped them with their farm by doing the normal tasks such as separating the milk, feeding the livestock and using the horse-drawn cultivator and seeder. During the times he was not in school or working the farm, he enjoyed playing billiards, cards and fishing.
Bobby met his future wife, Patricia Jean Derby while attending Blakesburg High School. After graduation, he attended Iowa State University in the veterinary program but then came the Korean War and he enlisted in the US Army with his brother, Eugene. Bobby and Patricia married shortly after on July 14, 1951. He had been offered his grandfather’s farm but Bobby wanted to travel and see the world so he elected to remain in the military—and see the world he did. He was stationed in France, twice in Denmark, Yugoslavia and several postings throughout the United States. He travelled to many other countries and enjoyed meeting the peoples of those countries and learning their cultures. When he retired as a Sergeant First Class (E7) after 21 years of service, Bobby was honored with a formal military ceremony involving his entire battalion at Ft. Stewart, GA.
After retiring from the military, Bobby returned to Blakesburg and worked as a food inspector for the USDA until he became disabled as a result of a fall on the stairs of one of his inspection sites. Despite his constant pain, he continued to help anyone that needed an extra hand or needed help to get something done.
Bobby enjoyed reading, especially Zane Gray, and watching old westerns on TV. That ethos would best describe Bobby’s character and he will be sorely missed as future generations turn away from the concepts of the past and embrace the digitized era. Bobby was an honest man, a good father, a good husband, hard worker, and a genuinely good man. A better epitaph could not be had.
Surviving is his loving wife of over 74 years, Pat; their children, Brian (Stacy) James, Timothy (Karin) James and Terri James; daughter-in-law, Karol James; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Whitney, McKenzie, James, Bobby, Zach, Rachel, Ryan and Kerry; 17 great-grandchildren, Elijah, Elaina, Jensen, August, Redding, Jesse, Sasha, Bailey, Daniel, Andrew, Ezekiel, Hailey, Emma, Carter, Oliver, Connor and Kaylie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Jesse James.
Visitation will be open at 2 p.m. Monday, Jun 29th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.
