James J. Roling

James Joseph Roling, 80 of Eldora, Iowa, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Iowa River Hospice House. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Eldora, with visitation one hour prior. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Jim was born May 21, 1946, the son of Theodore “Ted” Roling and Helen (Dole) Roling. Jim graduated from Eldora High School in the 1964 class, then attended Loras College and UNI College before enlisting in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he came home to help work on the family farm. He later worked for the Eldora Training School for a short time and then opened a Go Gambles hardware store. He then worked 22+ years at Dayco where he became plant manager.

Jim married Charlene Kolthoff in 1967, and they welcomed two children into their family. The couple later divorced. Jim was then united in marriage to Joyce Rash on August 23rd of 1986. They just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora where he was Building and Grounds chairman for many years along with being sacristan, usher, and greeter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, walnut harvesting, and watching sports, as well as spending time with his family. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing slow pitch softball games and tournaments and was proud to have been a pitcher. Jim was also a 50+ American Legion Member and served as Commander of the Eldora American Legion.

Jim is survived by his wife Joyce; children: Sean (DeAnn) Roling and Jami (Brian) Kendall, all of Eldora. His grandchildren: Logan, Kaleb, and Jenna Roling and Brianna and Tyler Kendall; and great grandson, Milo Kendall – Berg. Siblings: Judy (Robert) Gunderson of Gifford, Linda Tazzioli of West Des Moines, Jerry (Marti) Roling of Cedar Falls, Teresa Roling of Marshalltown, Peg (Tom) Landmesser of Henderson, NE, and Mark (Adela) Roling of Knightdale, NC; and sister-in-law, Pat Roling. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ted and Helen; brother Dennis Roling; and brother-in-law, Jim Tazzioli.

~ Lovingly written by family

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Jim and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the family or funeral home’s consent.