James Dean, 92

Dec. 28, 1930 -

May 29, 2023

 

RICEVILLE - James ‘Jim’ Wright Dean was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a dear brother and uncle, and a good friend. He passed away May 29, 2023 in Riceville, Iowa, with family at his side.

Jim was born to Rev. William and Lydia (Wright) Dean in Upper Darby, Penn., on December 28, 1930, along with his twin sister Peggy. He attended elementary and middle school in Aldan and graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1948. Childhood summers spent away from the city sparked his interest in agriculture. Jim went to Stony Brook Prep School in Long Island, NY prior to completing a B.S. in animal husbandry from his beloved Penn State. He enjoyed playing lacrosse for Penn State and spending time with his Phi Delta Gamma fraternity brothers. While at Penn State he met his loving wife of 67 years, Jodelle (Jody) van Es. Jim and Jody were married on November 26, 1955, by Jim’s father at Aldan Union Church.  

Before their marriage, Jim spent two years in Korea serving in the Army. He returned to work for Hormel Foods and was a dedicated employee for over 30 years. He was a hog buyer for Hormel in Austin, Minn.; Fremont, Neb.; Audubon, Iowa; Atlantic, Iowa; and finally, in Cresco. Jim and Jody raised two daughters, Cynthia and Marcia, and developed many great friendships throughout their years, especially in Audubon, Atlantic and Cresco. 

A devoted golfer for much of his adulthood, Jim branched out to find new ways to enjoy life. His passion for singing started young and continued as he joined barbershop choruses. He was a member of the 40 Milers Chorus and relished countless hours of singing and performing.  

From his father he inherited a love for growing roses. Jim was involved in the Cresco Master Gardeners and showed his roses at the county fair, garnering many ribbons. He also gave back to the local community and internationally as an active Kiwanis member for many years. Jim’s love of reading historical novels was cut short by macular degeneration, but he continued to enjoy watching sports with his family, especially if Penn State was playing. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William and Lydia; one brother William ‘Bud’ Jr.; two sisters, his twin Margaret “Peggy” and Elizabeth ‘Betsy’; nephew Michael Dean; son-in-law Manuel Gomez; twin great-grandsons Silas and Lucius Gomez. 

He is survived by his wife, Jodelle; daughter Cynthia (Jay) Baldwin; daughter Marcia (Bob) Grimm; grandchildren Salvador Gomez, Alex Baldwin, Emilio Gomez, Danny Baldwin, Sean Grimm, and Brian Grimm; great grandchildren Gwenn Gomez, Lola Gomez, and Luka Gomez.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Cresco Community Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday morning.  Graveside services with full military honors will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco. Lindstrom Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements.