James "Jim" Arterburn

James “Jim” Arterburn, 61, of Wartrace, Tennessee and formerly of Albion, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 31, 2020 in the comfort of his own home. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. For additional information please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for James and his family. James Paul Arterburn was born July 8, 1958 to parents L. Dale and Ardella (Sassen) Arterburn in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the middle of three children born to the family. The Arterburns’ later moved to a farm northwest of Albion where they each took part in building their home from the foundation up, brick by brick. Jim developed an early love and appreciation for the great outdoors, often spending the better part of the day hunting or fishing. As long as he was outside, Jim was in his element. He was happy whether driving a tractor to help his dad in the field,  getting up before school to help his brother milk one of the family’s brown swiss cows, or heading off into the timber with his shotgun over his shoulder. His strength of character and work ethic grew as he did and became evident to all those who knew him. Jim graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1976 and worked for McRill-Stowell Insurance in Albion, Iowa. In 1979 he was united in marriage to Laura Ann Watson. Jim worked for Lennox Industries for several years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1982. He graduated from boot camp in San Diego, CA.   While stationed in El Toro, CA, Jim and Laura welcomed their only child, daughter Ryan Leah. Jim’s career with the USMC took he and his family all over the country. He also served on several deployments overseas and on an aircraft carrier. Jim and Laura later parted ways but continued to maintain a friendly partnership for their daughter who was the light of Jim’s life. Jim continued to grow, learn, and rise through the ranks in the USMC. He was an extremely knowledgeable and respected flight mechanic later becoming an instructor. Jim retired from the military in 2002 but if you know anything, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi.” Retirement took Jim to Wartrace, TN. He purchased an acreage and began transforming the ground and the homestead into what it was when he had to leave it. The home was nearly in shambles. The ground hilly, rocky, and scattered with boulders. The barn was close to weathering away. Jim worked tirelessly, day and night to improve his little piece of the “holler.” When he wasn’t working on his home and land, Jim found enjoyment being employed at different times with both Fastenal and Southern Electric in Tullahoma, TN. His coworkers admired his organizational skills and his attitude to “do it right the first time.” Jim was blessed to find companionship and happiness with Shara Krusac. Together, they made his house a home. They enjoyed horseback riding, remodeling, landscaping, and most especially being around the bonfire with family, friends, and neighbors. Jim and Shara had small herd of dexter cattle, two dogs and a cat which they thoroughly enjoyed together. Jim was right where he wanted to be and he was truly happy doing what he loved. He loved all of those around him. Left to cherish his memory are Shara Krusac; his children Ryan (Trent) Eggers of State Center, IA, JP Krusac of Huntsville, AL, Sarah Otto of Huntsville, AL, Tori (Cory) Duvall of Tullahoma, TN; his grandchildren Kamden Jacobson, and Raymond and Edythe Eggers (all of State Center), Bryton Porter (TN), Nealynn Otto (AL); his siblings David (Wes) Arterburn (WA) and Carol (Kurt) Mogard (MD); and his niece and nephew Lindsay Mogard and Lance (Diane) Mogard; as well as many friends and neighbors who were loved just as much as family. In death, he is reunited with his parents L. Dale and Ardella; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.