James “Jim” Edward Dinsdale

James “Jim” Edward Dinsdale was born November 17, 1932, on a farm near Dinsdale, Iowa. He was the son of Lester and Virginia (Havens) Dinsdale. He graduated from Dinsdale High School in 1950. Jim was inducted into the Army in 1953, and was stationed in Missouri, Newfoundland, Matagorda Islands and Texas. In 1955, Jim met and married his wife, LaNell, while he was stationed in Mineral Wells, Texas. They celebrated 66 years of marriage in 2021. After being discharged from the service, they returned to Iowa to make their home. Jim farmed for his mother after losing his dad in a farm accident in May of 1955. Jim farmed on his own for several years before moving to Traer in 1963, where they have lived for the past 59 years. Jim operated a mobile feed grinder until the early seventies. In 1973, Jim bought Traer Oil Co. from Earl Griffith and Clayton Young, which he operated for the next 32 years, while also operating Lone Pine Service and Traer Ag. Lime.

He was a longtime member of the Traer American Legion. He served on Traer City Council and was an active member of ARC and CPC. Jim was a hard worker, and he loved his family, his grandkids, great children and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada. He and LaNell enjoyed going to Las Vegas. Jim enjoyed working in his yard and garden but was limited to what he could do once he lost his eyesight. He especially enjoyed getting together with his coffee buddies and trying to solve the problems of the world.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Darla Dinsdale; his wife, LaNell; and his parents.

Jim is survived by their children: Lisa (Greg) Givens, of Omaha, NE, and Tim (Cindy) Dinsdale, of Traer; grandchildren: Savannah (Cody) Thompson, of Palestine, TX, Chelsea (Alex) Henricks, of Reinbeck, Taylor (Falynn) Dinsdale, of Reinbeck, and Cameron Dinsdale, of Cedar Falls; and great grandchildren: Everly, Teagan, Eric and Baker.