James “Jim” Sanderson, 78, of Waterloo, died Sunday, June 30, 2024, at NewAldaya Lifescapes. He was born April 29, 1946, in Spencer Iowa, the son of Donald and Leah (Johnson) Sanderson. He graduated from South Clay High School in Webb, Iowa and then attended classes at Iowa State University.

Jim married Arlene Rusk on August 10, 1968, in Ruthven, Iowa. He worked for twenty-three years as an aircraft mechanics instructor at Hawkeye Community College until his retirement in 2004.

He was deeply involved with building model trains and airplanes. Jim was a very hands-on, mechanical person. Jim and Arlene are members of the Rathbun Yacht Club, which has been their second family. Since 1976, they spent summers at Lake Rathbun on sailboats or cruising boats. A memorable trip for Arlene and Jim was spent on the Mississippi River in 2009 when they boated from Red Wing MN to Louisiana MO.

Jim is survived by his wife, Arlene of Waterloo; his daughter, Jill (Jon) Thompson of Urbandale, and their children Maya and Ty; and his brother, George (Claudia) Sanderson of Webb.

He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Leah, and his brother, Dale Sanderson.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.