James H. Talsma, 88, of Newton, died Wednesday, Sept 23, 2020, at Unity Pint Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. A private family burial was at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella.
James Henry Talsma, son of James and Nellie (Baarda) Talsma, was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Newton. Jim graduated from Colfax High School with the Class of 1950. Jim served his county in the United States Navy from 1950-1954.
Sept. 1, 1955, Jim was united in marriage with Bertha Lois “Bert” Zylstra in Sully. Jim worked the land and loved the family farm. He retired in 1993. Jim was a charter member of Newton Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, traveling with Bert, and playing cribbage, Yahtzee, cards, and other assorted games.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Dorothy Vande Kieft and Eunice Davidson; one brother William Talsma; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Those left to honor Jim’s memory include his wife of 65 years, Bert; his children, Patti (Tim) Callahan of Pella, Bill (GeorgAnne) Talsma of Altoona, Dave (Kathi) Talsma of Monroe, Tom Talsma of Pella, Mike (Becky) Talsma of Colfax, Barb (Mark) Arkema of Pella, Steve (June) Talsma of Newton, and Doug Talsma of Newton; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Karalyn (Duan) Schroder and Jo Stursma; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
