James "Edward" Cline

James Edward Cline, 73, was born to Gerald and Lula (Sloss) Cline at Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center, Iowa on December 21st, 1951. He passed away peacefully at his home in Boone, IA on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025.

Ed was raised on the family farm at Cline Corner south of Guthrie Center. He was the fourth of six children to Gerald and Lula. Ed was often caught up in mischief, especially with his brothers, but he also developed a strong work ethic early in his life that contributed to his successful career as he grew older. Ed graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1970. Ed married Darla Duff of Scranton on August 23rd, 1975. To this union were two children, Ryan and Crystle. The couple later divorced.

After high school, Ed became a lineman with Iowa Electric. He spent over 40 years in the electrical utility field and retired from Alliant Energy in 2013. He enjoyed his work and took great pride in his work. After retiring from Alliant Energy, Ed then took up a new career in farming, which was his passion. In 2014, Ed moved back to Guthrie Center to his family farm and spent his time fixing up the farm and raising cattle and crops. He loved being on the farm and sharing it with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing with his family and grandkids at the farm pond and could spend hours riding around on his ATV overlooking his farm.

Ed never met a stranger and was always well known for his stories and his jokes. He would light up any room that he walked into with his smile and sense of humor. He loved catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Ed was an avid wrestling fan and enjoyed trips with his son and friends to many NCAA wrestling

tournaments over the country. He also enjoyed woodworking and had many high-quality projects that he would gift to family and friends..

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Gerald Cline and Lula Cline; his sister Charlotte Benton, and brother-in-law, Ronald Benton.

Ed is survived by his wife Jane of Boone, IA; son Ryan Cline (Kassie) of Casey, IA; daughter Crystle Thompson (Chris) of Ames; four grandchildren, Ryder, Kaleb, Chloe, and Karys; his siblings, Kenneth Cline of Des Moines, IA, Jeanette Sheeder (Bill) of Guthrie Center, IA, Keith Cline (Dona) of Des Moines, IA, and Marvin Cline (Ilene) of Huntington Beach, CA; as well as

many other family and friends.

Ed will be greatly missed but his memory will live on with his family and friends.

Message from the Family

Your expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated. The family invites you to celebrate Ed's life with the family at the Guthrie Center Activity Center on Friday, June 6th from 4-7pm. A ceremony celebrating Ed's life will be held from 4:00-4:30 followed by an informal gathering to visit with family and friends.