Travis James Obituary
Travis Don James, age 68 of Beaman, Iowa, died in Marshalltown, IA, on December 30, 2025.
He was born August 9, 1957 in Newton, IA, to Winston and Betty James at Skiff Hospital. Travis attended Lynnville Sully High School, where he was involved in football and wrestling. He graduated with the class of 1976.
Travis started working in construction in 1982, building hotels in Florida, George and Tennessee until 1990. He moved back to Iowa, continuing with his career in construction in Marshalltown from 2000 to 2015, working at the hospital and school district. From 2015 until his retirement in 2020, he took a full-time role with the Marshalltown School District as Lead Carpenter.
Travis married Kathy Mick on September 25. She was the love of his life and they were fortunate to celebrate 15 wonderful years together.
After retiring, Travis kept himself busy with his hobbies, including woodworking, leather tooling and traveling. Travis gave his heart to the Lord in 2020 and his whole life changed! The people at Vineyard Church in Marshalltown became his second family. He continued using his skills working at the Vineyard Church building with Kathy in tow, which brought him pure joy! Travis loved the Lord with all of his heart and was looking forward to being reunited with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Left to cherish Travis’ memory are his children: Crystal McLaren of Sigourney, IA, Justin (Allison) James of AL, Trisha James of AL, and Jerrica Lowe of IA; his beloved grandchildren: Maddie Hornback and Gracie, Madeline and Noah James; great-grandchild Chase Straight; siblings: Donna (Daryl) Soderblom and Jackie (Kevin) Gooding, both of Newton, and William James of IA; and his niece Sabrina Gooding. Through his wife Kathy, there were additional members that blessed his life: Greg Mick of MN, Kara Mick of TX, sister-in-law Cindy Ayers and brother-in-law Jim Kopel.
Travis is preceded in death by his parents, Winston and Betty James; his brother, Will James; and his nephew, Dustin Henning.
Per the wishes of Travis and his family, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A family-led celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 10 at 11:00 AM at Vineyard Church in Marshalltown. For online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1209 Iowa Avenue W, Marshalltown, IA 50158
People and places connected with Travis
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Travis James
Make a Donation
in Travis James's name
How to support Travis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Travis James's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
