James "Jim" Nusbaum

James “Jim” Nusbaum, age 88, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday night, August 8, 2023, at UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown, with family at his side.

Born on May 21, 1935, in Marshalltown, he was the son of Elwood and Dorothy (Menzel) Nusbaum. He received his education in the St. Mary School and graduated from there in 1953. On April 16, 1956, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Esther Kunkel, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Haverhill. They made their home in Marshalltown and are known as the couple that held hands everywhere they went.

Jim was employed at his stepfather’s Superior 400 Station, Fisher Controls, Lennox, the Iowa Veterans Home and retired from Riverside Cemetery. Between company layoffs, he worked at Marshall Tile installing tile. Jim was a faithful member of St. Francis Parish in Marshalltown, Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He volunteered as a youth basketball coach and at St. Henry’s school. He played basketball in the evening at the “Y” and enjoyed Knight Ranger bowling.

Jim will be remembered by his infectious smile and laugh. He never knew a stranger and was warm and welcoming to everyone he met. He loved spending time watching his grandkid’s sporting, dance and musical events. He loved to laugh, talk like Donald Duck, dance at the Surf Ballroom, grill and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Jim attended the Iowa State Fair 71 consecutive years, beginning in high school with Esther’s parents. He looked forward to eating Wonder Bars all year long.

Left to cherish his memory are Esther, his loving wife of 67 years; his children: Mark (Kris) Nusbaum, Cynthia Hoke, son-in-law Steve Johnson and Michael (Amber) Nusbaum; 11 grandchildren: Nicholas Johnson, Kelsey Tarpinian, Andrew Johnson, Jennifer Hallett, Carlyle Nusbaum, Nicole Hoke, Andrew Nusbaum, Noah Nusbaum, Jameson Nusbaum, Ellie Nusbaum and Trevor Nusbaum; six great-grandchildren; brother Richard (Laurie) Nusbaum, sisters-in-law: Beverly Nusbaum and Marilyn (Al) Spafford; bonus family members Dave and Tamra Taylor, their daughters Angela and Megan and their families; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In death, Jim rejoins his parents, his daughter Michelle Nusbaum Johnson who passed on August 25, 2022, stepfather Ernie Dodd, stepmother Margaret Nusbaum, brother Bob Nusbaum and sister Pat (Marvin) Ricketts, as well as many on the Kunkel side.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi School and Marshall County Conservation-Grimes Farm. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.