Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
James Bentley Waterbury died March 2, 2026, at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. He was 78.
Jim was born August 2, 1947, the third of four children born to Charles Arthur and Mary Elizabeth Stoddard Waterbury. His mother once told him he was her favorite because her labor with him was so short. However, he may have made that up. We all make up the stories we need.
Jim graduated from Waterloo West High in 1965, and Princeton University in 1969. How he made it through is a testament to his professors’ patience and sense of humor. Regardless, he earned a degree in English and didn’t ask anyone if they were sure.
Jim and Carol were married for 53 years through two kids, two kids-in-law, two grandkids, three houses, two dogs, five cats, a bottle-fed lamb, a three-legged squirrel with mange, and a narcoleptic duckling. Other than the kids, most were orphans, and all were family. If you ask Carol to pick her favorite, Jim might come in just ahead of the first house, before they added the deck. If you had asked Jim, he’d have said all of the above, with Carol abovest of all.
They met as teachers at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, New Jersey. It was colorful. He made her laugh, and she made him weak in the knees. After three years of teaching, he proposed, she said why not, and they went back to Iowa to share 30 years of television, 20 more years of healthcare, and forever together if this thing lasts.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Charles and Jessie Waterbury and Albertina and Stanton Stoddard; sister Mary Ellen Dewey and niece Susan Gano; and brother Thomas Wilcox Waterbury.
Jim is survived by Carol; daughter Libby (David) and grandchildren Natalie and Will; son Dan (Sarah); brother Charlie (Linda); brothers- and sisters-in-law Bill (Pam) and Tom (Beth); and nieces and nephews in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
*A note from the family: Ever mindful, Jim wrote this obituary himself some time ago so his family wouldn’t have to. Ever humble, he also left out the most impressive parts. Fortunately, the people who loved him never needed a list.
If you loved Jim, too, please consider a memorial donation to the Waterloo Community Playhouse/Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, the Waterloo Schools Foundation, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, or the Cedar Bend Humane Society.
Memorial Services: 1:00 PM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1301 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Memorial Visitation: 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.
Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.
Memorial Visitation
March 9, 2026
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Memorial Service
March 10, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1301 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Jim is an institution. A mentor to all of us. His impact on this community was immeasurable. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
How lucky were we to have such a warm and wonderful man in our midst who did so much for so many here? To say “thank you” seems small but is more than apropos for someone as purposeful as he was.
Carol was a high school friend , so I got to know Jim many years ago . My dad passed away 54 years ago , Jim wrote me a cherished note about my dad – he simply stated my dad “ was a real gentleman in a world with too few gentlemen “ . It is very accurate to describe Jim as “ a gentleman in a world with too few gentlemen “ .
Our sympathy to you Carol, Libby, Dan and your families on your loss. Waterloo was a richer place through Jim’s many influences in the community and he carried on the Waterbury name proudly. He was a thoughtful and kind soul who will be missed.
I had so much respect for Jim. He always remembered your name and your children’s names. I remember getting his Christmas cards each year and having to get out the dictionary, because he was such a smart and kind man.
Some of my best days at Allen were the days when Jim left his office door open and a brief “good morning” led to many stories, new perspectives and genuine conversation. The minute you walked into Jim’s office, he set aside his work and gave you his full attention. I always looked forward to holiday cards knowing I’d get a creatively written update about Jim’s loved ones. Jim’s joy and mentorship will never be forgotten!
Mr. Waterbury made a difference in my life as an impactful teacher at NVRHS Demarest. Rest in eternal peace.
Mr. Waterbury was my English teacher at NVRHS Demarest who taught me to enjoy reading. But my strongest memory: Landed in the Bahamas on my Honeymoon. Took a romantic sunset walk on the beach. Who do I see walking toward us? Jim and Carol. He has inspired me to write and hard to forget. Txs, Mr. W.
Mr. Waterbury was a powerful influence on me when he taught my novel class at NVRHS. I attribute (or blame—just kidding) his confidence in me for my career as a writer and English teacher. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sincerest condolences to Carol and all who loved Jim. I remember when they met while teaching at my high school. Having known Carol for a while, I saw the spark between them and was thrilled for them both. Thinking of you, Carol … and sending love.
Wonderful man and wonderful family! I use to babysit his children years ago when I was in nursing school. Prayers to his family (Carol, Danial and Libby). Jim definitely will be missed!!!
Jim and I were born a month apart. When we were young we lived a block apart and were classmates at Kingsley Elementary School. Then our paths went different ways. Any time I heard Jim’s name I always listened to hear what he was up to. It would be just like Jim to write his own obituary, and what a beautiful gift to us all. My condolences to all his family. God speed, Jim!
Jim will be missed by many people! He was a counselor, confidant, mentor and trusted friend to many especially to me. I could always count on Jim when I had issues to talk through and he always has a answer that was the right fit for the situation. Thank you Jim!
He and I often talked about music and his frustrations and fun on working on mastering his steel guitar. He was a talent!
He gave so much to this community and the people in it! I will miss his smile and wise words but his memory will always be with me!!!
Jim was truly one of a kind. When I became the superintendent of Waterloo Schools, he was kind, supportive, and inspirational. I do not know how he did it, but he provided a quiet but very real level of support. I called him often over the years. I enjoyed talking with him about connections between graduation rates and overall health. He was the most insightful man I had ever met. Brilliant. Humble. Kind. A true icon of this community!!!! He will be missed.
Jim was a wonderful man who made a difference in his community. It was always a pleasure to visit with him and he always took time to do so no matter how busy he was. May memories bring you comfort and may Gof grant you peace in the coming days. With deepest sympathy
Carol, Libby, Dan and all of the Waterbury…my deepest condolences to all of you with Jim’s passing. Having worked for Jim at the Allen Foundation, he taught me more about life and how to treat and care for people then I could ever imagine. Jim was caring, compassionate, a fantastic writer, loved his community, but mostly his family…I learned a lot about life from knowing Jim, and hope I can replicate a portion of what he did with others. Jim was an icon and will truly be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy. Carrie, Gary, Erin and Claire Rankin
Carol, Libby, Dan and all of the Waterbury family…my deepest condolences to all of you at Jim’s passing. Having worked for Jim at the Allen Foundation, he taught me more about life and how to treat and care for people then I could ever imagine. Jim was caring, compassionate, a fantastic writer, loved his community, but mostly his family. I hope I can replicate at least a small portion of what Jim did during his lifetime. He would never admit it, but Jim was an icon and will truly be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy. Carrie, Gary, Erin and Claire Rankin
I will miss Jim’s ever present smile at our board meetings at the Waterloo Community Playhouse. And him asking if I really had wine in my water glass. His sense of humor was amazing. He was one of the kindest, most gentle and caring men I have ever met. The Cedar Valley was so much better because of him being it. Sending love to the Waterbury family!
Our short time on Wendy Rd was enhanced by the Dear Waterbury Family. Libby and Laura, in my opinion, were constant companions. So much so, that both families had indeed added a daughter! My last meeting with Jim was when my Mom was hospitalized at Allen. As always, Jim was gracious and kind. My heart is breaking for you Carol, Libby, Dan and all the family. Please know our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you. May eternal Peace rest with Jim.
Love, Jean, Laura, Renee Huffman ❤️
What a wonderful man he was! I so enjoyed his sense of humor and intelligence. I will always remember Jim as a very kind man. My sincerest condolences to Carol, Libby, Dan, and family.
Jim had a positive impact in my life dating to 1983 at KWWL/Waterloo. I developed a strong admiration for him following the collapse of the station’s broadcast tower and the efforts – led by him – to deal with that crisis for viewers, advertisers, employees and the community at large. It was a case study in crisis management – an exhibition of great leadership I never forgot. We reconnected when I became the General Manager of KWWL and shared many terrific conversations – including a few with Jim and Bill Bolster. I was gratified to participate with Jim in the Gold Star teacher awards sponsored by the McElroy Trust and equally gratified when KWWL/McElroy Trust won a special Emmy award for the program. Jim was a very strong community advocate and contributed his time and talents to the betterment of the Cedar Valley. My deep condolences for Jim’s family and many friends. He will be missed.
Jim was my big brother! A great influence in my life. He and Carol knew my name, they knew Jolene’s name. They saw us grow up. They came to our wedding. They celebrated with us when our kids were born, and they knew our kids by name. Jim’s years at KWWL were the glory years. It was a better place because he was there. Heaven is rejoicing today because he is there. Safe home, big brother!
Love to the entire Waterbury family, extended families, and friends of Jim. Thinking of you
Jim was the best boss I ever had, but he became my mentor and friend. For the rest of my life whenever I have to make a decision, part of my process will always ask myself “what would Jim do” or “what would Jim say”. Eloquent, full of integrity, unshakeable, and kind beyond measure. My condolences to the whole family. Love you Jim.
I worked with Jim at Allen Hospital. What a great guy, and what a great sense of humor! Always kind, smart and welcoming.
I used to swim with Jim at the YMCA when we were in grade cshool. Hs Dad was my doctor also back n the house call era by dpctors.
Enjoyed talking to Jim sometmes when I would visit friends at Allen over the years.
I worked with Jim at Allen Hospital. What a great guy. Jim could make you smile before you thought about it. Jim will be missed 😊.
When I worked at Allen I looked forward to any function we would attend. Always smiling, always remembered your name and everyone else’s. When my daughter was getting married he gave me a great piece of advice. “Take it all in, the day will go by too fast and just relax and take it in.” He was right, as usual. What a blessing and bright light he was to so many. My deepest condolences!
I have known Jim since grade school, and he was always a special friend. He will be missed by many.
Jim was the best of all of us! I was blessed to work with him at Allen Hospital and learned so, so much from him about not only the industry, but life itself! Jim was the first one in the office in the morning and the last to leave. I’ll never forget when I had my daughter, Jim took the time to stop by to check in on us, before he headed home for the day…of course late in the evening – that’s just who he was as a human. An icon whose impact can be felt by literally anyone he met.
Like so many, I was blessed to learn so much from Jim. His wit kept his deep thoughts consumable for the rest of us. 🙂 We will miss Jim’s wisdom and love for our community, but his impact lives on. Thankful to call him a friend.
I can’t believe I was so lucky to have Jim as my boss. Working with him at Allen Hospital was a wonderful experience. The impact he had not only on me, but on anyone he encountered, is immeasurable and priceless. He was truly the best. My deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Jim was very kind, intelligent, lovely and wonderful host father for me.
The way he treated me, encouraged me while I was staying in their house was a veritable support for me. I miss him so much.
My deepest condolences to Carol, Libby and Dan.
Jim was a devoted supported of the Waterloo Community Playhouse. His brilliance and solid decision making guided the theater through the valley of the shadow of death that was the pandemic. The lights are brighter and the sound is better at the Hope Martin Theatre because of Jim. He was such an important member of the WCP family and will be missed. Love to Carol Libby David Dan Sarah Natalie & Will
My deepest sympathy to Jim’s family and friends. He always had a smile and a kind word. RIP Jim.
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have fond memories of Jim when I consulted KWWL in the mid-90s. I always appreciated his approach to business and his sense of humor. I wish the best to all the Waterbury family. May Jim’s memory always be for a blessing.