James B. Ficken

James (Jim) Burdett Ficken, 63, of Rhodes died Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. A celebration of Jims life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 29th, at the Rhodes United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brent de Silva officiating. Friends may call at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown Thursday, from 6-8 p.m. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Jim and his family, phone 641-844-1234. Born on January 14th, 1945 in Marshalltown, Jim was the son of Gerhard and Genevieve (Spencer) Ficken. He graduated from West Marshall High School in 1963. Jim then honorably served his country in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam. He worked many years as a truck driver, until his retirement, and served with the American Legion in Rhodes. Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends; cooking something for them any chance he had. Furthermore, he enjoyed stock car racing, playing cards, and generally anything that surrounded him by people. Left to cherish Jims memory are his beloved life partner of 14 years, Judy Steiner; his sons Shane (Irma) Ficken and Jimmy (Debbie) Tichenor; 15 grandchildren; brothers Carroll Butch (Joyce) Ficken of Nevada, IA, Gary Bill (Barb) Ficken of Parkville, MO; sister Marilyn Cookie (Bill) Purdy of Melbourne, IA; Justin, Eric, and Clinton Hulbert and their families; as well as many, many friends. In death, Jim has rejoined his parents, and his sister Wilma Nadine Ficken.