- Born on: October 5, 1945
- Departed on: July 28, 2026
- Resided in: Waterloo, IA
James A. "Jim" Buttgen
James A. "Jim" Buttgen, 80, passed away on July 28, 2026, at Cedar Valley Hospice, surrounded by his loving family and friends after a long, brave battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Jim was born on October 5, 1945, to Chester and Melba Buttgen in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Waterloo West High School before being drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He served in Japan as a medic until 1967. While stationed in Japan, he proudly summitted Mount Fuji, an achievement he cherished throughout his life.
Upon returning home, Jim earned a degree in drafting from Hawkeye Community College. It was during this time that Jim reconnected with Marcia (Brennan). The pair had originally met when Jim was 19 and Marcia was 16. They were united in marriage on October 19, 1968, in Waterloo, Iowa.
Jim dedicated 30 years to John Deere as an NC machine operator before retiring. Outside of work, Jim and Marcia enjoyed traveling, camping with their daughters, and attending car shows. His highlight was spending hours in his driveway working on classic cars, especially his prized 1965 GTO convertible.
Known affectionately as the "neighborhood dad" and "Mr. Fix-It," Jim was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need or take the kids on a trip to the gas station for treats. He loved organizing family reunions and parties. With his infectious smile and jokester personality, Jim lit up every room he entered. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia (Brennan); their daughters, Jennifer (Joe) Trewin, Sarah (Chad) Martinez, and Michelle (Gary) Eifert; 13 grandchildren, Hannah, Alex (Aurora) Sharp, Austin, Alyssa (Dax) Johnston, Ava, Nyla, Hudson, Lilah, Gracie, Lenny, and Odessa; one great-grandchild, Oliver; his sister, Melva (Schmitz) Buttgen of Marshall, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Marie Buttgen of Waterloo, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Melba; his sisters, Shirley Miller and Patsy Albertson; and his brothers, Bob and Bill Buttgen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UAW Hall in Waterloo, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's honor may be sent to:
• Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs | 1210 Idaho Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
• Cedar Valley Hospice House | 2001 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
Jim was born on October 5, 1945, to Chester and Melba Buttgen in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Waterloo West High School before being drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He served in Japan as a medic until 1967. While stationed in Japan, he proudly summitted Mount Fuji, an achievement he cherished throughout his life.
Upon returning home, Jim earned a degree in drafting from Hawkeye Community College. It was during this time that Jim reconnected with Marcia (Brennan). The pair had originally met when Jim was 19 and Marcia was 16. They were united in marriage on October 19, 1968, in Waterloo, Iowa.
Jim dedicated 30 years to John Deere as an NC machine operator before retiring. Outside of work, Jim and Marcia enjoyed traveling, camping with their daughters, and attending car shows. His highlight was spending hours in his driveway working on classic cars, especially his prized 1965 GTO convertible.
Known affectionately as the "neighborhood dad" and "Mr. Fix-It," Jim was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need or take the kids on a trip to the gas station for treats. He loved organizing family reunions and parties. With his infectious smile and jokester personality, Jim lit up every room he entered. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia (Brennan); their daughters, Jennifer (Joe) Trewin, Sarah (Chad) Martinez, and Michelle (Gary) Eifert; 13 grandchildren, Hannah, Alex (Aurora) Sharp, Austin, Alyssa (Dax) Johnston, Ava, Nyla, Hudson, Lilah, Gracie, Lenny, and Odessa; one great-grandchild, Oliver; his sister, Melva (Schmitz) Buttgen of Marshall, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Marie Buttgen of Waterloo, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Melba; his sisters, Shirley Miller and Patsy Albertson; and his brothers, Bob and Bill Buttgen.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UAW Hall in Waterloo, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's honor may be sent to:
• Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs | 1210 Idaho Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
• Cedar Valley Hospice House | 2001 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
