Jim was born in Independence, IA and grew up in Monti, IA on a farm. He went to Monti Consolidated School, and graduated from St. Patrick School in Ryan, IA. He started working for the Fawcett Funeral Home and Furniture Store in 1979. He farmed and drove a school bus for 25 years for East Buchanan Schools.
He married Lois Ludwig and they have four children; Shawn (Renee), Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Matthew. He has two grandchildren; Lizzy (Mike) and Chris (Abby).
He is a member of St. Patrick Church, Winthrop, IA. He is a director of St. Patrick Church, Monti, IA. He was on the St. Patrick Monti Cemetery Board. He is on the Winthrop City Council, the president of the Senior Citizen Housing Board, and a member of the Monti Community Center.
He has been working with the Fawcett-Schmitz funeral home since 2020. He enjoys visiting with people and sharing stories about their family and friends.
