James F. “Jim” Gleason, 79, of Denver, died on Friday, February 27, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

He was born on January 3, 1947, in Waterloo, the son of Ace and Carol (Schoneman) Gleason. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Jim married Kathy Neebel in 1966, and they had two sons, James and Jeff. They divorced in 1995. He then married Cindy Wright on November 1, 2002, in Belleview. He worked at John Deere for over 40 years, retiring as maintenance supervisor in 2009.

He was a member of Cedar Falls Christian Church (formerly Church of Christ). Jim enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking, reading, and was an avid history buff. He also enjoyed supporting his son James in drag racing. Over the years, he and Cindy made memorable cross-country trips on their motorcycles and shared a love of target shooting and fast cars. Most notably, Jim loved his dogs, especially his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Jill.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy Gleason of Denver; three sons, James (Doraine) Gleason of Clarksville, Jeff (Lisa) Gleason of Marion, and Gianni Gleason of Denver; seven grandchildren, Alex, Amber (AJ), Aaron, Jacob (Kaitlin), Isaiah, Trinity, and Anthony; four great-grandchildren, Greysen, Ash, Aticus, and Elias; and two sisters, Sandy (Rich) Klammer of Denver, and Nancy Petty of Murfreesboro, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don and Rick Crabtree; and a sister, Barb Regan.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Cedar Falls Christian Church, where military rites will be conducted by Cedar Falls AMVETS Post #49 and Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Locke on 4th, 1519 W. 4th Street, Waterloo; also, for one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuenralServices.com. Locke on 4th is assisting the family. Locke on 4th, 319-233-6138.