James J. “Jim” Hoffmann, 86, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2018 at The University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, after an accidental fall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 15, at Church of the Resurrection. Fr. Phil Gibbs will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 14, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 5:45 p.m.

Jim was born September 27, 1932 in Dubuque, the son of Arthur and Marie (Duscheck) Hoffmann. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Kutsch on May 12, 1956 at Church of the Nativity. She preceded him in death on August 21, 2013.

Jim was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years, until his retirement. He achieved his goal of being retired for longer than he had been employed. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection. Jim enjoyed fishing, reading, and was an avid gardener. When his freezer was full of fish, he would invite friends and family over for fun and fish fries. Jim loved boating and camping on the river, and took his family on many camping trips on the sandbar along with his brother and their family, starting a tradition that carried on for many generations. He grew beautiful flowers, and kept his family and friends supplied with tomatoes every summer. He shared his love of bicycling with his children, and they went on many bike rides, including GRABAAWR in Wisconsin. Jim rode his bicycle to Farley daily, and every Sunday he rode to Tennyson, WI. Jim was a proud father of seven, and loved being a grandpa. Jim’s sense of humor was irrepressible, and he taught his family how to laugh and have fun. He was always a little mischievous, even up until the end.

im is survived by six children, Kevin (Julie) Hoffmann of Dubuque; Joanne (Dan) Kerper of Decatur, IL, Shari (Gary) Hayes of Dubuque, Craig (Jamie) Hoffmann of East Dubuque, IL, Kathy (Bill) Hoerner of Dubuque, and Gail (Ben) Minger of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Jessica (Jake) Hauk and Ryan (Lindsey) Hoffmann, Elizabeth and Allison Kerper, Cody and Hallie Hayes, Danielle and Lucas Hoffmann, Amber and Emily Hoerner, and Isaac and Laney Minger; eight great grandchildren, Annalise, Aiden, and Ella Hauk, Noell and Weston Hoffmann, Carson Hayes and Basil Schroeder-Hayes, and Owen Hoffmann; his sister, Pearl McMahon of CA; and his in-laws, Dan Hanten, Mel Hoffmann, and Roger (Dee) Kutsch, all of Dubuque.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Keith in 2008; his great grandson Evan Hauk in 2011; his sisters, Gloria Schueller, Jean O’Rourke, Rosie Cox, and Barbara Hanten; his brothers, Johnny and Tommy Hoffmann; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be made to the James Hoffmann Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and palliative care team at the University of Iowa, as well as Dr. Jill Powers.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com