James Carl Lucas

James "Jim" Carl Lucas—"Jimbo" to many who knew him—died unexpectedly at his home in Johnston, Iowa, on August 13, 2026, at age 70.

Born September 20, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Clarence "Bud" and Frances (Holland) Lucas, Jim grew up in Urbandale and graduated from Urbandale High School in 1973. He later attended motorcycle mechanic school at Scott Community College in the Quad Cities.

A proud blue-collar working man, Jim spent his career in the steel industry at CanTex, Majona Steel Corporation, John Deere, and PDM-CB&I, retiring in October 2015 after 26 years with CB&I.

On May 16, 1981, Jim married Sandra "Sandy" Nigut in Weller, Iowa. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their only son, Jonathon "Jon" James Lucas, was born on December 2, 1983, and Jim became the tough-but-fair dad who never let his son doubt himself. They built Jon's first Jeep together, hunted deer, rode four-wheelers, attended concerts, and spent countless hours in the garage. Many of Jon's friends became Jim's friends, and more than a few came to think of him as another dad.

Brenna joined the family when she married Jon in 2016. Over the years, she and Jim developed a relationship built on mutual respect, good-natured teasing, shared stories, and quick wit. Jim loved having someone willing to give it right back to him.

When Eleanor was born in 2019, Jim was completely smitten. Becoming Grandpa was one of the few things that softened him. He got down on the floor to play even when it hurt, showed up for her activities, delivered little surprises, and made sure anyone willing to listen knew just how funny and smart his granddaughter was. In Eleanor's words, "Grandpa carried me in his heart, and I carried him in mine."

Jim was tough as nails, rough around the edges, and after enough replacement surgeries over the years, practically made of metal. But underneath it all was an enormous heart. He was meticulous and mischievous, stubborn and generous, and unapologetically himself. Whether he was rolling up in a loud, spotless Corvette or greeting you with a booming "Howdy!" or "How the hell are yah?", everyone knew when Jim had arrived. He believed things should be done properly: respect people and their property, take care of what you have, put the damn tools back where they belong, and remember that if you're not early, you're late.

But Jim also believed life was meant to be enjoyed. His world was fueled by horsepower, rock and roll, and escapades. He loved riding ATVs, trips to the Oklahoma sand dunes with Jon, and hunting deer at the farm in Eddyville alongside his chosen family, the Browns. A lifelong Corvette enthusiast and longtime member of the Corvette Club of Iowa, he was equally passionate about NASCAR, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Rolling Stones, and AC/DC.

Jim was funny and had a knack for making people feel like they belonged. His emoji-filled messages and signature signoffs—"Party on," "Glad you got to see me," and "That's all, folks!"—were unmistakably Jim.

His little sister, Barb, held a special place in his life. They grew to be best friends, always looking out for one another. In recent years, Barb was there for her big brother through countless appointments and procedures, always caring for him, keeping him in line, and being someone he could count on.

That loyalty extended beyond family to lifelong friends, coworkers, neighbors, Corvette buddies, and even the animals he adored. If you needed Jim, he showed up—usually with a smart remark.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandy; son, Jon, and daughter-in-law, Brenna; beloved granddaughter, Eleanor; sister, Barb (Steve) McIntire; nieces Jill (Jeffrey) Buckner and Lynn (Jake) Holmes; nephews Rush (Beth) Nigut and Roman (Jennifer) Nigut; several great-nieces and great-nephews who brought him joy; and a wide circle of extended family, treasured friends, and many of Jon's friends whom Jim loved like sons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles "Chuck" and Mary Nigut; and his cherished pets, Ozzy and Nemo.

Jim left behind worn-out tires, steel, smoked meats, baffled neighbors, and a family who never had to wonder whether they were loved.

Seventy years went far too quickly. But Jim filled every mile with hard work, open roads, loud music, loyal friends, family, laughter, and one hell of a ride.

In Jim's own words, "Glad you got to see me. Party on."

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jim's life at 5:30 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale.

Join us for a final lap on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Paragon Performance, 1450 NW Gettysburg Ln., Waukee, where Jim's family, friends, and Corvette crew will gather to trade stories and laughs.