James Caldwell

The hard-working spirit and quick wit of James Caldwell, age 76, of Traer and formerly Marshalltown, departed this earthly life on Friday, July 9th, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was ushered into heaven with family at his side and listening to “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 Monday, July 12th, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the services. The family encourages those attending to wear casual attire. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

James (Jim) Ellis Caldwell, 76, of Traer, Iowa, and formerly of Marshalltown, Iowa was born on April 17, 1945, in Boone, Iowa to Truman and Vivian (Wilson) Caldwell. Jim grew up in Boone, graduating from Boone High School in 1963. The summer after he graduated, he married his high school sweetheart Linda Benson on June 7, 1963. Upon graduating and marrying Linda, Jim began a career in meat cutting for Fareway Grocery Stores in Marshalltown. In 1965, they moved to Colorado where they owned and operated two billiard halls.

After ten years in Colorado, they returned to Iowa in 1973, moving back to Marshalltown. Once there, they opened Caldwell Meats which eventually expanded into three additional businesses: Caldwell General Store, Coastal Truck Stop, and Super Suds Car Wash. All were located in Marshalltown. Jim was a lifelong hard worker, dedicating over 30 years working in and building up his businesses, but his true love and life’s calling was buying and selling antiques and collectibles. One of Jim’s favorite saying was “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” and he never missed a garage sale. He spent his retirement traveling to flea markets and antique shows, where he not only loved the buying and selling, but the comradery with the other vendors. Jim also had an immense love for animals and was devoted to his many precious dogs over his lifetime. He also loved sports, particularly baseball which he played in high school. Recently, Jim and Linda along with dear friend Bev Espenscheid opened the Retro Rooster in Traer.

Jim leaves behind to treasure his memory his loving family- Linda, his wife of 58 years: his daughter, Angie (Jerry) Dietz of Ankeny, Iowa, and their children Alex, Andy and Christina Dietz: his son, Rick (Suzanne) Caldwell of Lafayette, Colorado, and their sons Tanner and Keegan, great-granddaughter Blake of Colorado and fur-babies Katie, Sadie and Joey.

In death, Jim rejoined his parents and grandparents and fur babies that were deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones can consider making a donation to Diamond in the Ruff Animal Rescue in Marshalltown.