James "Jim" Walter Rothfus

James Walter Rothfus, known to family and friends as "Jim," was born on October 12, 1939, in Perry, Iowa, and passed away quietly on July 28, 2026, in Perry. He was the youngest son of Edward Walter and Hulda Clara (Wulff) Rothfus and grew up in Woodward, Iowa, in a family of six children alongside his siblings Larry, Lester, Helen, Susan, and Arlene.

Jim graduated from Woodward High School in 1957. On September 30, 1960, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Jane Wickett. Together they welcomed three sons: Allen James, born July 23, 1961; Scott Lee, born December 19, 1962; and Eric Jon, born July 27, 1964. Their first son, Allen, passed away just two days after his birth. Scott now resides in Perry, Iowa, and Eric lives in Austin, Texas.

Jim and Phyllis spent the first eight years of their marriage in Des Moines, where Jim worked for Armstrong Tire Company. In January 1968, they returned to Woodward with their young family after Jim purchased Woodward Sanitary Service. For two years, he balanced running the sanitation business in the mornings while continuing his job at Armstrong in the afternoons. As the business prospered, it became his full-time occupation.

Not long afterward, Jim discovered a lifelong passion for motorcycles. His favorite was the Honda Gold Wing, complete with a sidecar, which carried him and Phyllis on countless memorable vacations. In 1988, he expanded his love of the outdoors by taking up dirt bikes and four-wheelers, hobbies he continued to enjoy well into his sixties.

In 1982, Jim sold Woodward Sanitary Service and briefly worked as an over-the-road truck driver. Two years later, he joined Dallas County as a maintainer operator, a position he held until his retirement.

In 1986, Jim and Phyllis built their dream home, the "Rothfus Retreat," on a rural property northeast of Woodward. It remained their home for more than three decades and became the gathering place for family celebrations, holidays, and countless cherished memories.

Jim lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and hard work. Although he worked tirelessly, he always found time for the people he loved, whether it was playing cribbage, cards, or Donkey Kong with his grandsons. A gifted woodworker, he crafted everything from baby cribs and children's toys to grandfather clocks and elegant curio cabinets. Many of those handmade treasures have already served one generation of grandchildren and will soon be passed down to great-grandchildren—a lasting testament to his craftsmanship and love.

Above all, Jim was a man of integrity. He was dependable, humble, and deeply respected by those who knew him. His unwavering love for his family and his steadfast faith in God guided the way he lived his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis; his brother, Lester; and his sister, Helen. He is also survived by his sons, Scott and Eric; his daughter-in-law, Lisa; and his grandsons, Joshua and wife Sarah, and Jacob.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa. Burial will follow at Peoples Cemetery in rural Woodward, Iowa.

Those wishing to honor Jim's memory are welcome to send flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association in his name. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.