James (Jim) R. Ehlers, 73, passed away on June 7, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He fought hard and courageously and never once complained. 

Jim was born in Grundy Center, Iowa, in 1952 to Robert and Elaine Ehlers. He was raised in rural Reinbeck, Iowa, and graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1970. He continued his education at Wayne State University, graduating in 1975.

Throughout his career, Jim worked in sales for several companies before finding his niche in the oil and gas industry. He built a successful career as a Project Manager specializing in Right-of-Way operations. His work took him to many parts of the United States, where he formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

Jim was an avid sports fan, with the Chicago White Sox and Iowa Hawkeyes holding a special place in his heart. He preferred watching games from the comfort of home, where he maintained TOTAL control of the remote. Don't think about touching it, or even looking at it. Truthfully, that rule applied to just about any program on television.

 Jim excelled in athletics from an early age. He was a talented left-handed pitcher with dreams of playing professionally. Unfortunately, while attending college, a torn rotator cuff suffered during an ill-advised night of throwing snowballs over the dormitories ended those aspirations. Golf soon became his next passion, and he took the game very seriously, recording four holes-in-one throughout his lifetime. He also enjoyed playing pool, where he established himself as a master of the game. Jim loved playing cards with family and friends, especially at the weekly gathering affectionately known as "The Fishing Meeting." While he enjoyed fishing, it was never among his greatest accomplishments. 

Jim was well-liked and loved by everyone he met. He was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor and was sometimes referred to as "Mr. Switzerland." One thing you never wanted to do was make a bet with him because you would lose. He took great pride in a well-manicured lawn and enjoyed taking his riding mower for a spin. He held a strong resemblance to Forrest Gump on it, as it was set up for his wife, Deb. According to Jim, nobody ever did it quite right. In fact, just three days before his passing, he insisted on mowing the lawn himself while his daughter Sarah nervously supervised. 

Jim had a lifelong love affair with cars and owned many throughout the years. His favorite was a neon green Dodge Dart. He never passed up a good tenderloin sandwich and onion rings and was always on the lookout for the very best of both.

 Family was at the center of Jim's life. Nothing made him happier than having everyone together, especially during the holidays. He cherished time spent surrounded by those he loved and took great pride in staying connected to his children and grandchildren. Whether through a phone call, a visit, or simply hearing what they were up to, he always wanted to know how everyone was doing. Few things brought him more joy than keeping up with the lives of his grandchildren and sharing in their accomplishments.

Even during his battle with cancer, Jim remained stubbornly independent, determined, and more concerned about those around him than himself. He faced every challenge with quiet strength and dignity, leaving an example his family will carry with them forever.

Jim was a good man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by many. Jim is survived by his wife of 22 years, Deb, of Waterloo, Iowa; his sister, Patti Richardson of Reinbeck, Iowa; his brother, Bill (Kimmie) Ehlers of Federal Way, Washington; his daughter, Sarah (Dan) Turner of Morristown, Tennessee; his son, Benjamin (Whitney) Ehlers of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; and his grandchildren, Blakely, Braelyn, Gage, Wyatt, Ginia, Alexis, and Jaxon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine Ehlers, and his brother-in-law, Dale Richardson.

Per Jim's request, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will be held at Red Carpet Golf Course on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring your stories, memories, and maybe even a tale about a bet you lost to Jim.