James A. Theisen, 73, of Asbury, Iowa passed away on September 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Jim passed with his family by his side following complications from a fall.

To celebrate Jim’s life, please join the family at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road on Saturday, October 19th, 2024. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a gathering for all of Jim’s family and friends to follow until 6:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com. A private family burial was held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Below is a write-up that Jim’s family found that he had prepared.

It is better to be lucky than good. Those words sum up my life quite well. Starting with being born to great parents, Ray and Doris (Till) Theisen, on April 29, 1951. Being born on mom’s birthday was always a source of great pride. They instilled in me the importance of faith, family and friends. I was blessed to have had them as my parents. My six siblings and I referred to ourselves as the Lucky Seven; those siblings consist of: Judy (Butch) Merritt, Jerry (Karen), Jeff (Trudy), Joe (Lisa), Jay (Jenny) and Jon (Lisa) Theisen. Having our names all begin with the letter “J” was unique at the time. Some of you can maybe recite our names by birth order: Jim, Judy, Jerry, Jeff, Joe, Jay and Jon. It was confusing at times, but it worked.

After graduating from Bellevue Marquette in 1969, my luck reached a new level that summer when I started dating one of my classmates, Pat Gothard. We eventually married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1971. I could not have asked for a better partner in life.

Together we raised three beautiful daughters: Jodi Theisen, Melissa (Eric) Reeves and Amy (Ben) Larson. They and their spouses provided us with six grandchildren: Maggie & Cooper Hooks, Gavin & Lauryn Reeves and Ella & Avery Larson. My family knows how proud I am of them. My hope is that they will continue to take care of each other. I love you all so much.

My life has also been filled with great friends over the years. I won’t single any of you out for fear of omitting and offending anyone. Some of these friendships were from my childhood and school days. These friendships continued as we raised our families. LYLT! Some were formed while working for 38 years at John Deere. Playing baseball, softball and being in several bands throughout my adult years also put me in touch with some great people. I was fortunate enough to have drummed with some very talented musicians. You know who you are and what those times together meant to me. Remember, drummers are musicians, too!

I want to thank God for putting all of you in my life. You helped me to become who I am.  ~ Jim

In addition to those listed above, Jim is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Jim (Mary Jo) Gothard, Mary Jo (Roger Gehl) Gothard, Linda (Brent) Rathje, Doug (Teresa) Gothard, Mari Jo (Jerry) Pitts, Steve (Laurie) Gothard, and Terry (Cindy) Gothard. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jim is preceded in death by mother-in-law Marge Gothard, father-in-law Ken Gothard, brother-in-law Curt Gothard, nephew Jeremy Theisen, niece Jessica Theisen, as well as numerous lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers a Jim Theisen memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank Asbury EMS for their quick response; the Emergency doctors, nurses and staff at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital, AirCare Emergency Transport, and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Surgical Neuroscience ICU for the care and compassion they gave to Jim and his family.  They would especially like to thank all their family and friends for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.