James Alan "Jim" Hamiel
James Alan "Jim" Hamiel
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James Hamiel Obituary
James was born on August 26, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Marvin and Libby (Cepelak) Hamiel.
Jim graduated from South Tama County High School followed by a degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Jim worked a career in the restaurant business, owning his own restaurant, The Hilltop Cafe, on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. In retirement, Jim returned to Toledo and became owner and caretaker of the family home where he grew up. He settled in and put his carpenter skills to work that he learned from his dad restoring the home. Jim shared his mom's passion of flower and vegetable gardening, antiques, cooking, and maintaining a meticulous yard. He also worked part-time at the Meskwaki Casino, where he enjoyed meeting all the customers and being around co-workers. Jim had a strong work ethic and was dedicated to many friends as well as his three cats which he greatly enjoyed.
Survivors include his brother, Mike (Mary) Hamiel of Mason City; and nephew, Tyrel (Lindsey) Hamiel of Ames.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother.
Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Colleen Jensen Bear
July 14, 2025
I met Jim in the early 70´s
My cousin, Bill Hanken was a roommate with on 409 Edward´s St in Waterloo
Along with Jim, Ron Scudder, Ron Novak& 2 other guys ( can´t remember their names)
My friend & I cleaned their apartment for a while, then my cousin told Scudder to hire me as a waitress at Country Kitchen where Scudder & Jim worked
I was just 15
Jim & I worked together there, and Jim sought other employment
When Scudder & partners bought the old Baraka Inn at Crossroads Mall, Scudder got Jim on board as chef & manager of the kitchen staff
I was in charge of the dining room
We had so many great times
Laughing & complaining about everything, but we did love our jobs
When Jim moved to MN, he would still write me often
We lost touch & I´ve tried for years to find him
He was kind of a loner & I think quite particular with who he got close to
We were definitely close
He taught me how to macrame´ and I won 1st place at the Cattle Congress in Waterloo
He & Scudder also took my friend Julie Shelton and I to the Iowa State Fair to see The Carpenters
I have missed my friend for many years and am sorry to lose him before I found him again
Rest In Peace my special friend
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209 E 7th St, Tama, IA 52339
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