James ‘Jim’ White, 76

Sept. 8, 1946 —

March31, 2023

 

RIDGEWAY - James Lee White, age 76, of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away on Friday March 31, 2023 at his home. 

Family and friends are welcome to call from 4-6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023 at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco, Iowa. A prayer service will follow at 6:30 p.m. 

James “Jim,” the son of Charles and Velma (Bland) White, was born in Cresco on Sept. 8, 1946. He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1964. 

After graduation, he worked as a farm hand on Hurst farms and tried an apprenticeship in carpentry. Jim soon realized he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an auto mechanic. He went on to run his own gas station, Jim’s DX in Cresco. He also worked for the Howard-Winneshiek School District driving buses, working as a mechanic and later on became a bus dispatcher. He later went on to work at Stapelkamp’s Stoplight Standard gas station as a mechanic. In the early 90s, Jim began working for the Winneshiek Co-Op, as a mechanic and sprayer. He spent most of his time at the Burr Oak location, and he later retired in 2008. 

Throughout his work life as a mechanic, Jim developed his love and passion for farming. He took extra time and care to tend to his fields. He enjoyed driving his tractors. His love for John Deere ran deep, if it wasn’t green and yellow, it wasn’t worth your time or money. His devotion for green and yellow carried on into his love for the Green Bay Packers. Closely following the Packers’ success each season. 

Jim enjoyed many things in life. At a young age, he was hooked on racing. Whether it was drag racing or driving a stock car, he earned numerous trophies. He also enjoyed the challenge of building better and faster cars. All of his life, he was a diehard Chevrolet fan! 

He loved spending his time outdoors; he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with friends. Throughout his whole life, Jim enjoyed listening to classic rock. With new technology, it made it easy for him to listen to the music that he loved, and it brought him joy everyday. 

During recent years, he truly appreciated all of his friends who came to visit him at his home. 

Jim is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Steve) Jensen of Cresco; grandchildren, Breannah (Mike) Jensen of Cresco, Nicole Jensen of Waucoma, Iowa and Joshua Jensen of Cresco; and great-grandchildren, Sophia and Emmalynn McIntyre; along with many cousins, extended family and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles White; mother Velma (Bland) White; as well as his best friend and beloved dog, Buddy.