James Michael McDonough, 83, of Dubuque, died Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home in Dubuque.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

James was born July 19, 1943, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Neil and Mary (Henkel) McDonough. On December 20, 1964, he married Virginia Lee Sturm at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS. She preceded him in death on April 12, 2026.

Jim worked for Flexsteel as a welder and later in the maintenance department.

He enjoyed gunsmithing, watching television, especially NCIS, telling stories, and listening to classical music, which could often be heard playing in the background. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren create chaos.

Survivors include his four children, Edward (Justine) McDonough of Elkhart, IN, Marianna Chase of Cuba City, WI,  Sean McDonough of Dubuque, and Melissa (Josh) Pitz of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth, DJ, Kyle, Kevin, Audrey, Nathan, Hayley, Nevaeh, Sean, Adyn, Ayla, and Andrew; six great-grandchildren; honorary daughter, Angel Hemming of Dubuque; one brother, Tom (Sue) McDonough of Dubuque; and sisters-in-law, Marge McDonough of Dubuque, and Patricia Akin of Austin, TX.

Besides his parents and his wife, Jim was preceded in death by a son, Timothy, in infancy; brother, Larry McDonough; and a brother-in-law, David (Joyce) Sturm.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Above and Beyond Hospice for all of the compassionate care they provided.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.