James Darrell Essick

Services for James Darrell Essick, 70, of Indianola, Iowa, who passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Adel, will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with visitation held prior to services from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow services in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
James, the lawn-mowing maestro and master of mischief, has officially reeled in his last fish, pocketed his final coin, and sanded his last splintery board. He rode off into the sunset on April 3, 2025, leaving behind two daughters he adored more than life itself, a bunch of grandkids and two great grandkids he doted on, and a legacy of love wrapped in a prankster's grin.
A simple and humble soul, James would've given his last penny-or at least a slightly bent quarter-to anyone in need. He was a comedian at heart, often toeing the line of "too far" with his jokes, but his radiant smile and contagious cackle made it impossible to stay mad. Friends flocked to him like moths to a flame, drawn by his genuine warmth and knack for turning any gathering into a comedy show.
James was the ultimate hands-on grandpa-cheering at soccer games, twirling at dance recitals, and schlepping the grandkids to coin shops to kickstart their own collections. He'd whip out his woodworking skills for a birdhouse one day and a glitter-drenched craft project the next, all while beaming with pride. His best buddy, son-in-law Chris, was his partner-in-crime for endless hours of fishing, tinkering, and probably plotting the next great prank. His other son-in-law Brian, will forever cherish the sweaty, laughter-filled days they spent remodeling a home basement together and building a swing-set for the grandkids-projects that tested their patience but cemented their bond.
Fishing was his zen, coin collecting his treasure hunt, and woodworking his art-though his daughters might say his real masterpiece was the way he loved them and his grandkids with a fierceness that could move mountains. His hands were never still, always building, fixing, or perfecting something to make life sweeter for his clan. A lifelong learner, James dove into new projects with gusto, whether they ended in triumph or a hilarious DIY flop.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Catherine (Dillard) Essick; daughters, Jamie (Brian) Jackson and Melanie (Christopher) Chiovaro; grandchildren, Zachary Hansbrough, Courtney, Jace, Aiden and Isaiah Jackson, Kelsey and Katie Baumert, Kacie, Kristin and Kylie Chiovaro; brother, Richard W. Essick, as-well-as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father, Richard Essick; brother, Dennis Essick; sister, Beth Cutwright; and identical twin brother, John Essick.
Memorials in memory of Jim may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.