James LeRoy Paul

James LeRoy Paul, 94, of Marshalltown died on August 8, 2025, at the Willows where he had been a resident since 2018.

He was born on June 19, 1931, near Laurel, Iowa to parents Ralph G. Paul and Marguerite M. (VandeKamp) Paul and was raised on the family farm SW of Gilman.

He was married to Neva Sue Shaw of Walnut Hill, Illinois on June 26, 1955. To this union two sons were born- James Theodore and Grant Shawn.

Jim was a Korean War veteran having served in the US Army in the area called the “Punch Bowl”. He also pursued higher education at Simpson College, the University of Iowa, Carroll College in Helena Montana and Southern Illinois University. He was employed at four different newspapers and taught English at three High Schools, all in Illinois before concluding his professional career at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois as writer/editor for University Graphics and Publications where he worked for 25 years before retiring in 1991.

Jim was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and the Methodist Church in Edwardsville where he and Sue expressed a deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They felt a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and established a Trust and Endowment Fund providing for a pre-ministerial college scholarship, support for missionaries and several children’s hospitals as well as their support for many more worthwhile organizations.

He is survived by his sons, Ted (Cathy) Paul of Conway, NH and Grant Paul of San Francisco, CA and a brother Dave Paul of Marshalltown. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sue on February 19, 2010, his parents, brothers Lee and Wayne and a sister, Margaret.

Per Jim’s wishes his body has been donated to the University of Iowa’s School of Medicine. Mitchell Family Funeral Home was entrusted with this arrangement. No services are planned at this time. Memorials can be directed to the Willows of Marshalltown. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

-Lovingly written by his family.