JIM CRUCHELOW SR.

KNOXVILLE – Jimmy “Jim” P. Cruchelow Sr., 88, of Knoxville, formerly of Ottumwa died July 25, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

He was born May 20, 1938 in Albia to Kenneth and Ellen Dicks Cruchelow.  He married Joan Diesing on August 3, 1957 at Catholic Chapel Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2023.

A 1956 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1962. He had worked for Job Service of Iowa right after being discharged, retiring in 1994.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Knoxville and had been a member of St. Mary of the Visitation in Ottumwa. Jim had been a life member of  Disabled American Veterans (DAV), O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion, Ottumwa Junior Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Personnel in Employment Security, various human resource committees in Southeast Iowa, Ottumwa Elks Lodge #347 and past president of Oskaloosa Lions Club. He loved traveling, fishing, hunting and mushroom hunting.

Surviving are two daughters, Ellen Cruchelow and Mary (Dwight) Rector both of Knoxville; a son, Jim (Sue) Cruchelow Jr. of Bluegrass; 5 grandchildren, Kendall Powell, Dr. Aaron (Nichole) Rector, Michael (Abby) Rector, Allison (Jake) Moore and Nathan (Dr. Katie) Cruchelow; 11 great grandchildren, Brooke, Logan, Londyn, Stella, Luna, Landon, Noah, Hudson, Grady, Kallie and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan and his parents.

His body has been cremated.  Private family graveside services and inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery with Father Dennis Hoffman officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.