Robert Calvin “R.C.” James, 54, of Searsboro, died unexpectedly Wed-nesday, May 25, 2022, at Unity Point Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, at Grinnell Christian Church. Burial was at Searsboro Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grinnell Christian Church or Searsboro Fire Department and sent in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Robert Calvin "RC" James was born Apr. 26, 1968, the son of Paul Rex and JoAnn (Zimmerman) James. He was raised in Searsboro and graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School with the Class of 1987.
He worked as a truck driver for Manatt’s and Scott Nikkel Trucking and continued to farm and raise Red Angus Cattle with his family. RC was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, and camping with friends.
He was a lifelong camper at the Iowa State Fair. One of the things he most looked forward to each year was camping and cooking with friends at the fair. When his family exhibited cattle at the fair, he wasn’t the one to lead or brush the cattle, but he would take the late-night shift to bring in the tack and have things set up when the cattle were brought in.
RC’s easy-going, fun-loving nature made him loved by many. He enjoyed tilling gardens for his friends and using his tractor to seed food plots for neighbors. Every year, he looked forward to the Tennessee deer hunters making the trip out to the farm. He would always clean the shed and cook meals in preparation of a week of storytelling and good times.
Many friends knew him for his fun, ornery attitude, but few knew his daily commitment to the care of his mother JoAnn. His devotion to her care over the years exemplified his selflessness and love for her.
RC is survived by his mother JoAnn James of Searsboro; brother Fritz (Marcy) James of Searsboro; sister Tammy (Craig) Wallace of Stotts City, MO; nieces and nephews Zach James (friend Kayla), Aly James, Paige (Marcus) Arnold, and Sam (Morgan) Wallace; grandniece and nephew Beau Wallace and Andi Arnold.
He was preceded in death by his father Rex James.
