James “Jim” Joseph McGrew, 66, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Jim was born on May 3, 1960, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Joseph and Lona (Wolfe) McGrew. He grew up in Oskaloosa before his family later moved to Keokuk, Iowa, where he attended high school. Jim was an avid athlete and participated in many sports throughout his youth, with football, track, and baseball holding a special place in his heart. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1978 and continued his baseball career at the University of Iowa.
Following his education, Jim proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years.
On November 3, 1990, Jim was united in marriage to Cathy Pitts in Oskaloosa. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.
Jim spent his career working in the HVAC industry, working on both residential and commercial systems. He took great pride in his work and the people he met along the way.
Jim was a man who found joy in the simple things in life and cherished time spent with the people he loved. He had a lifelong love of fishing, and whenever he drove past a pond, he would often say, “That’s a bassin’ pond.” He enjoyed NASCAR, bowling in multiple leagues, and hunting with his brother, John. He loved sitting outside watching the cars go by while listening to Johnny Cash, playing games with his family, and especially playing games with his wife, children, grandchildren, and mother.
Jim and Cathy shared a special love of watching the eagles together at their favorite place, Eveland Access. Most of all, Jim loved dancing with Cathy, whether they were at home or anywhere life took them.
Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Cathy McGrew of Oskaloosa; his children and their spouses: Jason (Kelsie) Myers of Ida Grove, Iowa; Joshua Myers of Drakesville, Iowa; Jessica (Eric) Van Leuven of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Melissa (Josh) Harper of Eva, Alabama; his mother, Lona McGrew; his grandchildren and their spouses: Blake (Cami), Joseph, Aliya (Jackson), Graci (Ryan), Hattie, Moss, Dylan (Grace), Tanner, Dominick (Hailey), Madison, Talon, Amora, and Jaxon; his great-grandchildren: Brynlynn and Parker, with another great-grandson on the way; his siblings: John (Donnella) McGrew and Deb (Andy) Ropp; his brothers-in-law: Tom (Sue) Pitts, Mike Pitts, and Paul (Julie) Pitts; and Sid Quintero; many nieces and nephews; and all of his friends children, whom he considered “Bonus Kids”.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Joe McGrew; his parents-in-law, Carl and Cleta Pitts; and his grandparents: Owen and Veda McGrew and Cleo Wolfe and Phyllis (Wolfe) Palmer.
As was Jim’s wish, his body has been cremated. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Cathy McGrew.
Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his sense of humor, his passion for the outdoors and sports, and the many special moments he shared with those closest to him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will forever cherish the laughter, stories, and love he gave them.
