James Francis Waltz

Jim Waltz, age 85, of Norwalk, died Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Norwalk Nursing and Rehab Center.

James Francis Waltz was born September 8, 1940 in Winterset, Iowa, the son of Nick and Mary Waltz. He married Sondra Kay Hurst in 1960 in Winterset and they were blessed with two children, Pamela and Bradley.

Jim grew up in Winterset and graduated from Winterset High School in 1958. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1964, and then his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Drake University. After he passed the bar exam, he served as county attorney for Union County.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed working on his parents’ farm helping to make improvements. He really enjoyed running the D-4 cat. In his retirement years, Jim and Sondra enjoyed Saturday breakfasts with siblings, cousins and friends.

As Brad’s children came along, he and Sondra enjoyed spending time at Creston’s Fourth of July celebrations watching their grandchildren in the parades and attending their 4H activities. Jim and Sondra enjoyed celebrating holidays with Brad’s family. Pam and her family joined when she could get back from Texas.

Jim helped Sondra with the taxidermy business and enjoyed hearing all the hunters' stories and seeing their trophies.

Jim and Sondra attended the Iowa State Fair every year from early in their married life and continued long into their 70s, a love they have instilled in their children and their families. It was usually an annual trip for Pam’s family to join everyone at the Iowa State Fair. Many joyous family visits were on those fairgrounds.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Ellis of Hartman, AR (and her daughter, Abigail (Chris) Ellis-Stricker of Prairie Grove, AR); his son, Brad (Ronda) Waltz of Creston (and their sons: Nathan (Sabrina) Waltz of Eagle, NE and their children, Colton and Karsyn: and Lucas (Alison) Waltz of Creston, and their children: Lydia, Lauren and Christopher: and Matthew (Shantelle) Waltz of Creston: with a baby girl soon to join their family.)

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Mary Waltz; wife, Sondra; siblings, Ed Waltz, Betty Overton and husband Keith, and Kathy Holliday; and son-in-law, Klon David Ellis.

Visitation for James will be on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Winterset Chapel. Funeral service will be on November 24th, at 10:30 am at the funeral home, with burial to follow at the Winterset Cemetery. The family invites you to a luncheon following the funeral service at the American Legion Hall in Winterset.

Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a future date.