James Dixon

James Morris Dixon entered into eternal life and the arms of his Savior June 8, 2021. Jim was born September 11, 1935 to Lyle and Emily (Mitchell) Dixon in Bancroft, IA.  He grew up in the lime-light of the carnival, with a home base in Marshalltown. He married Joanne (Gummert) in 1954. They later divorced but together they had 7 children.  During this time, Jim entertained audiences with side shows such as the Wild Man Show, the Gorilla Show and ever popular pony ring. He also was the first to have a Bozo tank with clowns. During the off season, he worked as a plumber.  He continued to work the carnival circuit with his wife, Patricia “Randy” selling concessions and drinks.  “The Cajun Kitchen” was a favorite at the Iowa State Fair for many years. Jim was a great cook and he loved spending time in the kitchen. Jim lived life by his own rules, and he could fix almost anything. He believed in hard work and instilled that into his children.  1st Corinthians 13:8, 10 and 13 say “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away… but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears… And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.” He was loved by many; he was a great showman and a good father.   Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia “Randy”; his sister, Dixie Berg; his 7 children: Joy (Lee) Weeks of Conrad, Jan Robinson of Conrad, James (Charlotte) Dixon of  USA, Jackie (Mike) Campbell of Poteet, TX, Johnny (Phylis) Dixon of Plaquemine, LA, Janie (Paul) Ferneau of Conrad and J. Kristin (Scott) Jones of Eldora; 25 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  In death, he is reunited with his parents, his step-son, Charlie, his son-in-law, Joe Robinson and granddaughter Katlin.  Funeral services for Jim will take place on Wednesday, June 16 at 1:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Garden following the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.