Services for Jim will take place on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 PM at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Tom Bower officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Mitchell Family Funeral Home.

Born on February 4, 1948 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Harold and Mildred (Goecke) Douds, Jim grew up with a deep appreciation for family, nature, and the value of hard work.

Jim graduated from Marshalltown High School class of 1966 and also Iowa State University.

Jim was a dedicated employee and award-winning salesman for Monsanto, where he returned after a long career, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues and customers who admired his integrity and commitment. Jim was also a valued member of the Marshalltown Community College Foundation Board.

Beyond his professional life, Jim was a man of many passions. He found great joy with anything outdoors, but particularly hunting and fishing, where he often found peace and purpose in the timber or on the water, while collecting material for his next “fish story.”

An avid supporter of Iowa State Cyclones football, basketball and wrestling, Jim rarely missed a game or match, cheering enthusiastically from the stands or his favorite chair at home. This devotion extended to his granddaughters’ swim meets, where he cheered louder than anyone else.

Jim loved traveling, being behind the wheel with talk radio on the dial, his warm winters in Texas and sharing his culinary creations whenever he could. Whether chatting with the gang at the weekly Social Club, enjoying the warmth of a roaring fire or a cold winter’s day or uncovering a bargain that delighted him – and usually only him – Jim uniquely embraced life like few others.

He is survived by his wife Mary of 56 years, daughter Stephanie (Chad), son Justin (Angela), his brother Sam, three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, his precious great-granddaughter born on January 19, three step-great-grandchildren, and his aunt Eleanor Rowden.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred, his brother Kimerick, and his in-laws Don and Marcella Lane.

Jim’s life was a testament to the importance of family, the joy of simple pleasures, and making lasting memories. His love, wisdom, and friendship will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation and funeral arrangements are being managed by Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. The family suggests donations in his name to Iowa River Hospice, whose dedicated staff took such great care of Jim and his family during his final days. For additional questions online condolences, visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

– Lovingly written by the family