James H. McLeland died on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 surrounded by the love of family and friends both near and far. Visitation will open at 2:00 PM at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua with family present 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday December 4, 2021 at the Keosauqua United Methodist Church with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart, Reverend Herb Shafer and Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Cantril immediately following the funeral. For gifts of remembrance, please donate in Jim’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Bentonsport Improvement Association or Compassus Hospice Care may be left at the funeral home, church or mailed to the family at 21937 Marion Street, Keosauqua, IA 52565.
Born in Keosauqua, Iowa on March 22, 1941, Jim loved his home state. He attended Iowa State University, married Carrel Phelps and had two sons, Tony and Curt. He started a career teaching auto mechanics, then farmed for several years in the Bonaparte area, and eventually returned back to a career as an automotive instructor. He could fix and build almost anything and was a born teacher – both patient and knowledgeable.
After some life changes, Jim launched a second act when he met Patricia DeSpain in Illinois. On December 21, 1996, Jim and Pat married and began a life together in Freeport, Illinois. They enjoyed an ever-expanding circle of friends and family, and Jim became a beloved figure in the lives of Pat’s children and grandchildren.
To all who knew him, Jim was a joke teller and yarn spinner like no other. Whether he was regaling an unsuspecting restaurant server, or his family (especially the grandkids!) who could recite many of his jokes right along with him, Jim loved to entertain and lift people’s spirits.
Jim could be counted upon to offer his quiet counsel and wisdom to his many friends and family members. Always ready to lend an ear, Jim could often be found visiting either on the phone or in person. He never knew a stranger – everyone he met quickly became a lifelong friend.
Always an active and involved member of his community wherever he lived, after retirement he and Pat moved to historic Bentonsport where Jim became self-appointed mayor. He could be spotted on any given day riding his Gator around town to check in on his friends and neighbors.
A member of the Bentonsport Improvement Association – or “hysterical society” as he called it due to the many laughs they enjoyed together – Jim always sought to make things better for his community.
Jim’s spirit will live on in many hearts thanks to his generosity of spirit, faithfulness in friendship, and love of his fellow man.
Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Patricia L. McLeland, brothers Vern (Debra) McLeland, Ken (Debbie) McLeland and Jerry (Katrina) McLeland, sister Shirley Hicks, sons Tony (Molly) McLeland, Curt (Elizabeth) McLeland, and grandsons Jordan (Chelsea) McLeland, Jared (Holly) McLeland, and Nick McLeland. He is also survived by his extended family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Valera (Hervey) McLeland.
The family wishes to thank the hospice staff of Compassus for their empathetic support in Jim’s final days.