James "Jim" Nathaniel Midcalf

James “Jim” Nathaniel Midcalf, 84, of Anamosa, Iowa, formerly of Marion, Iowa, received his wings and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where a Vigil Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Old St. Joseph Church, located at 995 5th Avenue in Marion. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jim was born on April 26, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Rolla “Jack” and Dora (Churchill) Midcalf. He grew up in Marion, graduating from Marion High School in 1959. On November 11, 1961, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Judi Crowley, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Jodi Midcalf of Cedar Rapids, Janel (Jeff) Brown of Traverse City, Michigan, and Jim (Diane) Midcalf of Cedar Rapids.

Jim began his career as a pipe fitter at Penick & Ford, where he worked for 17 years. Following a layoff, he devoted his time to building homes in Marion and Central City, before joining Evergreen Packaging (Cherry Burrell), where he worked until his retirement in 2000. Known for his unwavering work ethic, Jim never hesitated to take on extra shifts, weekends, or holidays to ensure his family was cared for. His dedication and perseverance were second to none.

Beyond his work, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was admired and respected by his family for his wisdom, his stories, and his constant willingness to offer advice – always leaving those around him with greater knowledge or at least a smile. His legacy of hard work, devotion, and love will live on through his family.

He found joy in cars, most recently working side by side with his son, Jim, to refinish two 1940 Ford Coupes. He also loved the thrill of watching and going to car races, the serenity of walks in nature, and the quiet pride of tending acres of lawn on his John Deere tractor.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judi; his three children; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Peggy (Don) Stimson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rolla “Jack” and Dora Midcalf; in-laws, Delbert and Eileen Crowley; sister, Barbara Midcalf; and brother, Jackie Midcalf.

Jim’s family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace and watching over them. His life was a gift, and his memory will be forever cherished.

Memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to his family to be designated later.