James R. Stimart

James Raymond “Buck Jim” Stimart, age 86, passed away at his home peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023.  He was born on March 20, 1937, on a farm in Bloomington Township, the son of Felix “Speed” and Mary (Broihahn) Stimart.  When he was young, the family moved to Beetown where Jim attended elementary school.  It was there that Jim began to learn the skills of hunting, fishing, and hard work.  Later the family moved to Lancaster where Jim graduated from high school in 1956.  After graduation, Jim worked for Murray Electric and the Dubuque Pack.  On October 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to Janice M. Kirschbaum.  He enlisted in the United States Army serving stateside.  Jim and Janice purchased their small farm in Liberty Ridge Township, where they continued to raise their four children: Scott, Jay, Pam, and Jill.  Jim was employed at John Deere Dubuque Tractor works in the foundry and worked his way up to a machinist position on second shift, all while maintaining the little farm, hunting with his faithful dog, Whitey, trapping and fishing every spare moment he could.  In 1978, Jim moved to Bagley.  He continued to work at John Deere until his retirement at the age of 54, enjoying over 30 years of retirement living in that sportsman’s paradise doing what he loved most.  Jim was active in the Bagley community and proud to serve as a Bagley Volunteer Fireman.  Jim married Dorothy Haberichter on June 27, 1997, spending the next 26 years together.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; his children: Scott (Chyme) Stimart, Jay Stimart, Pam LaFave, and Jill (Tim Sorensen) Stimart; his stepchildren: Troy (Brenda) Haberichter, Chris (Shawn) Raisbeck, Todd (Deanna) Haberichter; his brother, Gene (Linda) Stimart; a step-sister, Caroline Powers; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Tom) Sims, Sharon Kumnick; brother-in-law, Bobby Kumnick; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and special family members, Judy Medley and Perry Oats.

In addition to his parents, Felix and Mary Stimart, Jim was preceded in death by his former wife, Janice Stimart, his stepmother, Adele Stimart and brother-in-law, John Kumnick.

Funeral services with military honors accorded by the Lancaster VFW Post No. 2344, the American Legion Post No. 109, and the DAV will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Pamela Strakeljahn officiating.  A private family burial will be in Bagley Cemetery, Bagley.  Family and friends may call on Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home.