James "Jim" Rieck

James (Jim) was born on April 27, 1937. He was born the first child of Raymond and Gladys (Vittitoe) Rieck in Iowa City, Iowa. Jim was the oldest of 13 children including 5 brothers and 7 sisters. He married his wife of 65 years Jeanne (Purcell) in 1957. They had 4 children Sheila Hiher of Mt Carroll, Shari (Jeff) Marburger of Lyndon Station Wi, Dean (Connie) of Byron and Jamie (Chelon) of Mt Carroll. Jim had 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Jim attended schools in Hauntown, Iowa, Shady Dell (near Sabula) and Lyons High School in Clinton, Iowa through the age of 16 when he quit and started his professional working life. He was an industrial painter and sandblaster but was also a farmer, mason, brick layer, carpenter, electrician, plumber, wood worker, iron worker and all-around Mr. Fix It. In his own words, he could fix anything with a hammer, torch, welder, and chain saw. He planned and built most of his house including being the architect and engineer. Most of it worked most of the time, and when it didn’t, he rebuilt it until it did (most of the time). One of his favorite sayings was “I cut this 3 times and it’s still too short”.

Jim enjoyed fishing, anything outdoors, working around his farm and going to auctions (lots and lots of auctions). He was an excellent marksman going back to a young age when he was given a gun and few bullets and learned to bring home dinner for his younger brothers and sisters. He was always willing to help any of his brothers, sisters, children, and neighbors with anything needed. He built a legacy of being a hard worker and instilled that into his children whom all had successful careers. He was always willing to share stories of his life and never failed to exaggerate them for the sake of entertainment, like walking to school (true) uphill (partially true), both ways (not true) and in 6 feet of snow all year long (also mostly not true).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry, Dennis, Freddy and infant; and sisters, Linda and Kristeen. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; brother; Bruce; sisters, Rae, Ramona, Shelba, Lanette, and Rhonda; his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jim will be missed by his family and friends, sharing memories, and telling stories.

Law Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In keeping with one of Jim’s favorite pastimes, A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place 1 – 5 pm Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the Tipton Auction House, Thomson, Illinois. Memorials may be given for FHN Hospice and the Darkhorse Lodge for Veterans in Tennessee. Condolences may be left at lawjonesfuneralhome.com