James “Jim” Leroy Jensen

James L. "Jim" Jensen, 71, of Raymond, formerly of Waterloo, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

He was born on January 28, 1953, in Waterloo, son of Harold W. and Mary C. Gruver Jensen. Jim attended Waterloo East High School. He honorably served from 1971 – 1974 in the United States Army during Vietnam.

James married Lori Elliott on May 7, 1983, in Waterloo; they later divorced. He then married Cathy Griffith on August 15, 1998, in Waterloo. James worked at John Deere for 28 years starting at the Foundry in 1975 and retired from Tractor Works in 2003.

He was a member of UAW Local 838 and a former member of Evansdale AMVETS Post #31. James enjoyed classic cars, notably his 1970 Nova. He would often spend hours at a time online looking at different cars. James supported his kids in BMX racing over the years, traveling all over the country. He was a BMX dad. He also enjoyed doing the Special Olympics with his son, Tim.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cathy Jensen of Raymond; children, Jamie Bahe of Dunkerton, Bobby Elder of Cedar Falls, Amanda (Scott) Hunt of Dunkerton, Timothy Jensen of Waterloo, Becky (Lance) Delagardelle of Gilbertville, and Tommy (Mandy) Elder of Oelwein; many beloved grandchildren; two brothers, Tom (Paula) Jensen of Ocean Pines, MD, and Jeff (Shannon) Jensen of Evansdale; sister-in-law, Kitty Jensen of Waterloo; many nieces and nephews; and faithful feline companion: Jax.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cari Tyler; a brother, Richard "Dick" Jensen; a niece, Tina Dobbins; and a nephew, Tommy Jensen.

Memorial Services: 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball, with inurnment at Garden of Memories Cemetery, both in Waterloo, and military rites by Evansdale AMVETS Post #31 and the Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation from 11:00 AM until service time at Locke at Tower Park.

Memorials may be directed to River Hills School, Cedar Bend Humane Society, or Evansdale AMVETS Post #31. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146, is assisting the family.