Jim Folkes

James W. Folkes, 80, of Hamburg, Iowa passed away on May 27, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.  He was born August 20, 1941 in Hamburg to Vernon and Marjorie (Omer) Folkes.  Jim went to school through 8th grade at Valley Farm country school and graduated from Hamburg High School with the class of 1960.  He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Hein, on April 28, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  They were blessed with two children, Diane and Jeffrey.

Jim and Ruth raised wheat, corn and beans around their home west of Hamburg on “the bottom” and corn and beans on the farm they purchased in the 80’s east of Hamburg in “the hills” along with a farm in Missouri.  Jim also farmed Ruth’s family’s farm east of Hamburg.   Jim always had a love for the land and being in nature was how he enjoyed spending his time.  He was an avid hunter, champion trap-shooter, loved to fish and spent a lot of time camping with family and friends.   The family also enjoyed riding motorcycles.  Upon retirement in 2006, Jim purchased a Harley Davidson, reminiscent of his younger years.

Throughout his life, Jim was involved in many organizations and clubs: Hamburg Hometown Pride, Mt Olive Cemetery Board, Eagles Club, Isaac Walton League, Elks Club, Fremont County Fair Board, Ak-Sar-Ben and ASC Committee as well as being an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Diane Hall of Milo, IA; son Jeffrey Folkes of Waterloo, IA; grandson Tyler Hall and great-grandson, Tylyn of Iowa Falls, IA; Brother and sister-in laws: Helen and Henry Martin, Mary and John Field and Tommy Hein along with nieces and nephews: Tim (Bonnie) Snyder, Tami (Darrell) Wellman, Mitch (LuAnn) Snyder, Pat (Julie) Martin, Gregg (Deb) Martin, Lisa (Mike) Welch, Michael Field, Janet (Thomas) Straley, Jeffery (Heather) Hein, Jamie (Maria) Hein. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marylyn Snyder.

Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg or Hamburg Hometown Pride.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg, IA.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, southeast of Hamburg.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (5/31) at Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg.  A Rosary/Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg is in charge of arrangements.

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