James L. Kohnen, 60, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on July 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date this fall. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, is assisting the family.

Jimmy was born on August 26, 1964, he was the sixth child born to Merlin and Rosemary (Licht) Kohnen in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1982 and married Cindy Gray on April 26, 2003, in Dubuque.

Until his recent illness, he worked at Cat Track Bait Co., as a Master Stink Bait Maker. Prior to that he had worked for Lyle’s Transportation in Apple River, IL, Christensen’s Greenhouse, Hopper’s Greenhouse, and Kennedy Mall as Maintenance Personnel.

Jimmy was involved in Smiley’s Horseshoe League; he enjoyed pitching horseshoes for 40 plus years. He enjoyed his houseplants; he would call them his babies. He carved the neatest figurines from wood. He also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, camping and enjoying the river with his family and friends. Jimmy was especially close to Bill and Nancy Sanders and their eight kids. He had lived with Bill and Nancy from the early 80’s up until he got married. Jimmy was their kid’s favorite uncle. We will always remember his contagious, raspy laugh and his long, black ponytail.

He is survived by his siblings, Janice (Jim) Schultz, Alexandria, MN, Timothy Kohnen, FL, Kimberly (Shane) Hyde, East Dubuque, IL, Carla Heller, Dubuque, IA; brother-in-law, William Sanders, Dubuque, IA; sister-in-law, Shawn Kohnen, Dubuque, IA; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Rosemary Kohnen; maternal grandparents, Carl and Mildred Licht; brother, Tom Kohnen; sisters, Pamela Kass, Susan Upmann, Nancy Sanders, Patricia Chaloupka; brothers-in-law, John Kass, Lyle Upmann; nephew, James Adams Jr., Tobey Tischhauser and great niece Marley Rose Tischhauser.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann and his staff at Integrated Cancer Center. His nurse Molly and staff at UnityPoint. Special thank you to his family who supported Jimmy on this journey especially Billie Arrington, Maggie Tischhauser, Becky James, Carla Heller, Alex Ostrander, Curt Sanders, Ashley Huseman, Emily Freiburger, and Luke Sanders.