A life lived with love will never be forgotten. James C. Banwarth, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 11, 2025, at Harmony Nursing Home. He embraced life as he bravely faced the challenges of Parkinson’s.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Stephanie Schlimm officiating.

Jim was born to Charles and Eunice Banwarth on February 16, 1947. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1965, served in the U.S. Airforce for four years, then began his career as a delivery and sales associate at Banworth and Udelhoven Furniture World. On December 27, 1971, Jim and Francine Buda walked down the aisle of St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque and said, “I do.”

Jim (aka Slim) was a self-taught musician who played guitar with friends and family throughout his life. In high school he performed with a five-member band called “The Swingin’ Strings.” Jim had many passions. He restored antique furniture, grew pear trees, collected old clocks, ran half and full marathons, and fished anywhere he was allowed to drop a line in the water (actually, he didn’t care if he was allowed to or not). At various times in his life he was known locally as a motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing, corvette-driving, poker-playing, wine-making and drinking, Snickers- and Peanut M&M-eating, wheeling and dealing “King of The Manor.” The loves of his life were his children and grandchildren. He will be eternally loved and remembered by everyone whose heart he touched, and his loss will be felt for as long as any of us can remember.

Jim is survived by his wife Francine, sons Abe (Brandee) Banwarth, Noah Banwarth (Katie Roemerman), daughter Sophie (Nick) Rossman, grandchildren Ruby and Rocco Rossman, sisters Judy Hafeman, Jane Buti, Joan (Denny) Shields, and Mary (Jerry) Klimesh, brother Dan (Toni) Banwarth, sisters-in-law Rosalia-Buda Claussen and Venice (Jim) Richardson, and nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Eunice Banwarth, in-laws Rocco and Carol Buda, brothers-in-law Dennis Buda, Roger Hafeman, Otto Buti, Charlie Claussen, and his infant granddaughter Irene Rossman.

Jim’s family is deeply grateful to the residents, nurses, and staff at Harmony Dubuque, UnityPoint Finley Hospital, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be made to Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa or Hospice of Dubuque.