James “Jim” Dalen

Posted

James “Jim” Dalen, 78, passed away on January 12, 2025. Jim was raised on a farm near Wallingford and graduated from Graettinger HS in 1964. He met and married his soulmate Jane in 1967.

In 1967 Jim enlisted in the Iowa National Guard where he served a long active duty career until his retirement in 1995.

Jim was an exceptionally talented cabinet maker, creating custom pieces that were as beautiful as they were functional. His works now stand as cherished legacies in the homes of friends and family. Additionally, Jim had a passion for flying, although he wasn’t quite as good at it as he was at woodworking. His days as a pilot ended after an ill-conceived dispute with gravity in which gravity emerged victorious, claiming his plane and a couple of teeth for good measure. Ever the storyteller, Jim turned the incident into a legendary tale that perfectly reflected his humor and resilience.

Jim is survived by his son Paul (Kim) of San Antonio, TX, and two granddaughters, Abigail and Ainsley; his brothers Rick (Kathy) of Wallingford and Darryl of Andover, MN; and his sisters Ruth (Todd) Thill of Britt and Maureen (Duane) Sandberg of Graettinger. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jane, and his son Patrick, and brother Duane Dalen and sister-in-law Patricia Dalen.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am followed by a memorial service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger on February 8, 2025, at 11:00 am. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Jim’s life, sharing memories and honoring a life well-lived.