James “Jim” Balichek

James “Jim” M. Balichek passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 80 on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Dawson Funeral Services in Oxford Junction. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of his memorial service. 

He was born to George and Lenora Balichek on November 11, 1942. After graduating high school, he worked for a short time as a grain truck driver at the Co-Op before serving in the Army National Guard for six years. He grew up farming with his dad and eventually bought his own farm nearby. Though he “retired” from farming in 2019, he was spotted on his tractor disking a few weeks ago. 

Jim married his loving wife Sharon on April 3, 1965, and they raised three daughters, never missing any of the girls’ many concerts or ball games.  The family took yearly camping trips and other short vacations during the summer. You could always count on Jim to race you on a go cart or play a round of mini golf. Later in life, Jim and Sharon enjoyed their warm winters in Texas.  They also spent many weekends taking their classic carsto car shows and traveling to visit their kids and grandkids.  

Jim had a quiet presence, but he loved to laugh. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was a great listener. He taught himself to play the keyboard and could sometimes be convinced to play for an audience. Jim was an animal lover, especially dogs. He enjoyed a good nap, playing games and rarely turned down a stop for ice cream. He will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughters Renee (Dave) Schwantes, Melissa Balichek, and Sara (Conrad) Kroening, two grandchildren Joshua (fiancé Mariah Lang) Schwantes and Cara Schwantes, and his sister Bonnie Hoffman. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Cards of condolences may be mailed to Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Jim Balichek Family Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.

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