James "Jim" Bodenham

James Edward Bodenham "Bodie" passed away on September 10, 2022 in Riceville. Jim was born March 19, 1947 to parents Hal and Patricia Ione (Hendricks) Bodenham in Riceville, Iowa. Jim grew up on the family farm north of town, attended Riceville schools, and graduated in 1965. In 1966, Jim volunteered for the Army, and went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and was later stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington and worked as a medical technician. Upon his honorable discharge at the rank of SP5/T in 1968, Jim returned to Riceville to farm with his parents. In November, 1969, Jim married Kathleen Ann Swancutt, whose family farmed in the Brownville area. Jim and Kathy had 2 sons: Curt (1970) and John (1974) and one daughter Krista (1975). Jim and Kathy farmed together, with milk cows, beef cattle, chickens, corn, beans, oats, and alfalfa. In 1982, Jim and Kathy separated. Jim lived on the family farm his entire life with the exception of his time in the Army.
Jim was an avid reader and true lifelong learner with a great memory for details. He read everything he could get his hands on: novels, magazines, newspapers, repair manuals, historical documents, and everything in between. He would discuss details of Harry Potter's adventures with his young grandsons, mechanics with his son, and Steven King with his daughter-in-law. He would even talk politics if nudged just a bit.
Throughout his life, Jim also found hobbies that allowed him to use his natural abilities and enjoy the company of like-minded friends. Jim enjoyed old Ford cars, able to pick one out by sound alone. He enjoyed muzzle loading black powder rifles, building rifles (including making a stock from scratch) himself and helping to host a 4th of July Black Powder shoot at Lake Hendricks. Jim was an NRA Life Member. He was a self-taught guitar and banjo player, playing both and singing country and bluegrass music occasionally at the farm with friends. He enjoyed participating in local tractor pulling for many years, especially the 9500 lb. class with his 830 Deere. Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles his entire life and could be spotted on his Triumph motorcycle on summer evenings. He had a true appreciation for old farm equipment. He could be seen picking rock each summer on his 1946 WD Allis Chalmers tractor (that Hal purchased new and unloaded from a train car in Riceville in 1947). Jim enjoyed bowling with lifelong friends for many years in the Riceville Bowling League. He rarely missed a morning check on corn prices at the elevator, and really enjoyed the conversation and cup of coffee. He enjoyed visiting on Sunday mornings at Andy's (and always picked up a Sunday Register). Jim found a real love in steam engineering. He became a licensed Minnesota State Steam Traction Engineer in 1995. For 40+ years, Jim ran engines and helped repair engines and equipment. He truly enjoyed working with others who were sincerely interested in learning about steam engines. He was the "shirtless" engineer at shows in Mabel, Osage, Forest City, Cedar Falls, and Charles City. He will be greatly missed by the many who he met and grew to know.
Jim was preceded in death by his father in 1979, his mother in 2006, and his daughter in 1988. Jim is survived by his sons Curt and John (Dawn) Bodenham, grandsons Adam Bodenham of Wichita, KS and Aaron Bodenham of Ames, IA, and a cousin, Susan James of Massachusetts.
Plan to gather with the family for a causal visitation from noon - 2:30 pm at the Bodenham Farm (6162 Addison Ave Riceville, IA) on Friday, September 16, 2022. Bring a story to share and a lawn chair. Lunch will be provided. Graveside services and military honors will follow at 3pm at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.