Jim Waters

Funeral services for Jim Waters, 92, of Knoxville and formerly of Melcher-Dallas, will be Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pierschbacher's, 309 W. Main St. Knoxville, Iowa. (New Building). Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be held following the service, after lunch interment will be at the Gosport Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Melcher-Dallas Fire Department and Rescue Unit.

James Francis Waters was born February 26, 1932, in Humphreys, Missouri to William and Clara (McConnell) Waters. He grew up in Des Moines and attended East High School. Upon graduating in 1950 his parents received a letter from the principal stating what a fine young man Jim had become and that he was in the top 15% of the graduating class.

Jim married the love of his life, Betty Ann Bingham, on November 26, 1961. They moved to Melcher-Dallas where they made their home near Betty’s family.

Jim began his trade as an apprentice carpenter in 1952, the Des Moines Carpentry Union Local 106. He worked for Yeager Manufacturing as a carpenter and cabinet maker. During this time, he was involved in a bowling league for Jaeger Mfg. He then started his own business, Waters Construction. Jim was an impeccable craftsman. You knew his work was to exact standards and there were no shortcuts taken. There is only one way to do a job – the right way also known as Jim’s way! As he slowly retired, he always kept working and would often take odd jobs for neighbors as his way of helping people.

He loved watching sports in his free time and especially liked to follow the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Minnesota Twins. He and Betty also found time to bowl for fun. He loved his community and served as a volunteer fireman for several years on the Melcher-Dallas Fire & Rescue Department.

Jim passed away February 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2013; his parents: William and Clara; sister, Vivian and brother, William; and nephew, Bob Anderson.

He is survived by his children: Michele (Gaylon) Peterson, Robert (Pam) Waters, Scott Waters, Jim (Kelly) Hutchinson; grandchildren: Dominic and Jack; sister: Carolyn (Gary) Sharp, along with many relatives and friends.