James Carl Lucas

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

Born September 20, 1955, in Des Moines 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.

Jim was a proud blue-collar working man in the steel industry. He spent his career at CanTex, Majona Steel Corporation, John Deere, and PDM-CB&I in Clive, where he retired in October 2015 after 26 years.

On May 16, 1981, Jim married Sandra "Sandy" Nigut. Together they built a life filled with hard work, laughter, family, 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. Along the way, many of Jon's friends became Jim's friends, and more than a few came to think of him as another dad.

In 2016, Jim proudly welcomed Brenna into the family when she married Jon. Over the years, their relationship grew into one built on mutual respect, good-natured teasing, shared stories, and plenty of laughter. Jim loved having someone willing to give it right back to him, and Brenna quickly became one of his people.

When Eleanor was born in 2019, Jim was completely smitten. Becoming Grandpa may have been 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 smart and funny his granddaughter was. Eleanor says, "Grandpa carried her in his heart, and she carried him in hers."

Jim was tough as nails and rough around the edges, with an enormous heart of gold underneath. 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 his 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 adventure. He loved riding ATVs, conquering the Oklahoma sand dunes on legendary trips with Jon, and hunting deer at the Eddyville farm alongside his chosen family, the Browns. A lifelong Corvette enthusiast and longtime member of the Iowa Corvette Club, he was equally passionate about NASCAR, the Kansas City Chiefs, AC/DC, and Pink Floyd.

He had a knack for making people laugh and feel like they belonged, whether they'd known him for decades or had just met him. His quick wit, emoji-filled messages, and signature signoffs-"Party on," "Glad you got to see me," and "That's all, folks!"-left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Jim loved his people fiercely. That included his sister and dear friend, Barb; his extended family; lifelong friends; coworkers; Corvette buddies; neighbors; and the animals he adored. He could be gruff, opinionated, and particular as hell, but if you needed Jim, he showed up. Usually with a smart remark.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandy; his son, Jon, and daughter-in-law, Brenna; his beloved granddaughter, Eleanor; his sister, Barb (Steve) McIntyre; 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 members, lifelong friends, coworkers, neighbors, and fellow Corvette enthusiasts.

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 was far too short. 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.