James Leroy Kiefer

James Leroy Kiefer, (Jim) 85 of Hedrick, Iowa passed away on August 29, 2025 at home surrounded by family and beloved "puppy dog" Kassi. and "kitty cat" Charlie. Jim was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on May 30, 1940. He was the oldest of seven children born to Lawrence and Aleta (Bunting) Kiefer. He attended Hedrick Iowa High school before various jobs including automotive repair, farm help and eventually living his passion of driving 18 wheeler tractor and trailer trucks. Jim married Sharon Patricia Shoemaker April 1,1966 in Galena, Illinois. Jim and Sharon have two children, son Kent (Dawn) Kiefer of Hedrick and daughter Kandi (Craig) Gordy of Fremont. Jim started a career as an over the road truck driver in January 1973. He drove for various companies over the years before becoming an owner operator. He drove team with his wife Sharon from 1977 until they retired in 2015. He and Sharon enjoyed many memories while on the road. He enjoyed fishing on the banks of the Skunk River and running diddy poles. He had fun with his family at various motorcycle rallies on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 59 years, sister Elsie (Gary) Grimm of Cedar Rapids, David (Trudy) Kiefer of Omaha, Joyce Smith of Cambridge, Judy (Joe) Kozelichki of Knoxville, his son Kent (Dawn) Kiefer of Hedrick, daughter Kandi (Craig) Gordy of Fremont, thirteen grandchildren: Tony Breon, Gage Nikolish, Austin Nikolish, Aleta Gordy, Brandyn Gordy, Clayton Gordy, Andrea Kiefer, Amanda Kiefer, Nikki Dennis, Paige Kiefer Tiffany Manning, Matthew Antiskay, Dalton Stine, and 15 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Aleta Kiefer; brother Larry Kiefer, sister Martha Jones, brother-in-law Royal Smith, son in-law Mike Breon, nephew Todd Kiefer and various friends and loved ones. Jim chose cremation from Iowa Cremation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A celebration of life service will be held September 16, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at the Fremont Funeral Chapel, Fremont, Iowa. A sincere thank you to Compassus Hospice from Washington, Iowa for your caring support during this difficult time. If you would like to make a Memorial Gift in lieu of flowers, The family has chosen the Oskaloosa Food Pantry. Please make checks payable to: Oskaloosa Food Pantry. Donations may be mailed to: Oskaloosa Food Pantry 1701 3 rd Ave E , Ste 9 Oskaloosa, IA 52577