James "Jim" R. Hallman

James "Jim" R. Hallman, 77, of Mason City, IA, died Saturday, August 19, 2017, following a short battle with glioblastoma. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Praise Community Church, 11 2nd Street NW, with Pastor Jeff Dahlin officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Praise Community Church.

James was born April 19, 1940, in Mason City, the son of John F. and Mildred I. (Pierson) Hallman. In 1958, he graduated from Mason City High School. From 1958 - 1964, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge. On December, 16, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Norma Jean Newell in Mason City. To this union, three children were born. They were married for 53 wonderful years until her passing in 2015.

Jim worked at the local soybean plant (15 years) and managed Regency Terrace Apartments (15 years) until his retirement in 2002. He then worked at Hy-Vee (2 years) and Martin Brothers (10 years) with his 2nd retirement in June of 2017. He found happiness again when he married Sue (Calvert) Hallman on January 6, 2017. Although their time together was short, it was filled with much love and happiness.

Jim was a goofy guy who kept all who knew him laughing. He never met a stranger, and made friends feel like family. Jim was a hard worker who took great pride in everything he did. He has left all who knew him with memories of funny stories. He always had his "people" to take care of any situation!

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Other interests included watching movies, camping, organic gardening, traveling, and working at Martin Brothers. He was proud of his 35 years of sobriety and found joy in helping others in recovery. He was a member of Praise Community Church, Mended Hearts #222 and volunteered at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa.

Jim is survived by his wife: Sue (Calvert) Hallman of Mason City; 3 children: Steven Hallman of Atlantic, IA, Dawn Warnhoff (Phil) of Marshalltown, IA, and Michelle Brown (Mike) of Elizabethtown, KY; 8 grandchildren: Cassandra Hallman, Rebekah Hallman, Jessica Jo Willsher, Tony Willsher (Christina), Caleb Willsher, Lillie Derryberry (Chris Bockholt), Daniel Derryberry and Christopher Brown; 2 honorary grandchildren: Jenna Hamann and Jordan Hamann; 5 great grandchildren: Mya, Lily, Zack, Aria and Everly; 1 brother-in-law: Raymond Newell (Joan) of Houston, TX; 2 nephews: Josh Newell (Kelly) and Nathan Newell. Family by marriage: Dawn Schuster (Andy), of Dougherty, IA; Travis Calvert (Amelia), of Reno, NV; Casey Schuster (Monty Dye) of Ventura, IA: and his best friend: Cale Arends (Jen) of Mason City, IA. He is also survived by many cousins, extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; a sister in infancy; and his father and mother-in-law.