James "Jim" Perry

James “Jim” Jay Perry 

April 24, 1957 - June 5, 2024 

  Jim finished this life and was called to the next the afternoon of June 5, 2024. Jim will always be remembered by his family and friends as a person who loved, cared for others. He extended his helping hands to many during his life. He was happiest when he could repair, build or remodel for someone who needed him. 

  Jim was born in Burbank, California and lived in Granada Hills, California until the age of 7. When Jim moved to Iowa, he lived in Runnells, and attended Southeast Polk schools. He graduated from high school in 1975, and joined the workforce in a lifelong career in construction and maintenance. In 1981, he married Donna Sibigtroth. They had three boys, Jon, Dustin and Cody. The family moved to Madrid in 1988. 

 Jim met Janet Kalsem in 1999. Her three children Joel, Ben and Kristi were treated and loved by Jim as his own. Jim and Janet were married in August 2011. Jim was employed for the last 12 years with Veridian Credit Union, here he found pride and belonging in the team as a Facilities Specialist. Jim enjoyed creating and maintaining landscapes at work and home. And loved to talk about it! He celebrated 24 years of recovery from alcohol. He was looking forward to celebrating year 25 this December. His faith in God, and support of friends and family carried him through. He loved attending and watching sports played by his children and grandchildren. He and Janet were passionate about Kansas City Chiefs football and NASCAR. 

 He is survived by his wife Janet Kalsem-Perry; children: Jonathon Perry (Nic Sharbono) with grandchild, Henley; Dustin (Kari) Perry, with grandchild, Jameson; Cody Perry (Danielle Eganhouse-Cloe); Joel Erickson; Ben (Sabrina) Erickson, with grandchildren, Lanna, Tristan, Everett and Easton; and Kristen (Tony) Eckard with grandchildren, Lighton and Brandt; He is also survived by his sister, Sandra “Sandy” Perry Sigman (Tim Sargent) with nephew, Ryan and nieces, Deanna Sigman Johnson (Darin) and Jennifer Sigman (Tim Schumann); his mother-in-law, Beverly Kalsem; sister-in-law, Joyce (Kyle) Walter, with nephew, James (Michela), niece, Jessica and nephew, Jayce (Aleah) Dorman as well as many great nieces and nephews.  

  Jim was preceded in death by two special women in his life, his mother, Donna Brandt Perry and his maternal grandmother, Fern Anderson Brandt.  Jim was also reunited with father, Jack Wayne Perry; his maternal grandfather, Harlan Roscoe Brandt; paternal grandparents, Seth J. Perry and Elda Klingbeil Perry; uncle, Dr. Warren S. Perry; father-in-law, Jay Francis Kalsem; brother-in-law, David Sigman; along with baby granddaughters, Jaylynn Noel and Brylee Faye Eckard. 

  The family will have a memorial service on Monday June 17, 2024, at Evangelical Free Church, 2243 S Avenue, Madrid, Iowa 50156. The family will be in attendance from 1:00 to 4:00pm. With a small service at 1:30pm. Refreshments and favorite desserts will be served following the service. This will be a casual afternoon and you are welcome to wear your favorite NFL or NASCAR apparel in remembrance of Jim. 

 Jim’s family would like to send a special thank you to the Boone County Hospital's First Responders and Boone County Sheriff. 

  In lieu of flowers, the family will be distributing memorials to various organizations special to Jim. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

   Arrangements by Iles Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel.