Obituaries : James Lee Offt

James Lee Offt peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 23rd, 2025 while surrounded by his family. Known to everyone as Jim, he was a loyal and dedicated member of the community. Between his service to his church, his membership in the Legion, helping to start Saerkraut Days, and a jack-of-all-trades handyman through his business, Jim left his mark on every inch of Blairstown. 

James Lee Offt was born on February 21st, 1940 in Vinton, IA to Milo and Dorothea Offt. Jim spent his early childhood in Deep River, IA with his parents and five sisters. They later moved to the Keystone area where they operated a filling station on Highway 30.  He was baptized and confirmed by his grandfather Rev. Brauer at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Keystone, IA and graduated from Keystone High School in 1958. While in high school, Jim worked at Schneider’s Implement in Keystone.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after graduation and spent time stationed in Ft. Carson, Colorado, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and in Stugaart, Germany where he served as an aircraft mechanic with the 36th Artillery Group. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he served in the National Guard while working at Kubicek Hardware in Blairstown, where he learned invaluable skills.  

While attending a dance in Blairstown, he approached a young gal in a purple outfit and asked to give her a ride home.  Jim and Joan Niebuhr were united in marriage a few years later on June 28,1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown, IA. They were blessed with over 62 years of marriage.

Soon after they were married, Jim started his own business, Jim’s Plumbing and Pump Service, and operated his business until a few years ago.  He enjoyed working for and with his many customers who became lifelong friends.

Jim was involved in many community organizations including the Lions Club, the Blairstown MJ Kirby Post 170, was a Blairstown Volunteer Fireman, was a Boy Scout Leader, and was on the committee for the very first Blairstown Sauerkraut Days.  He was actively involved at Grace Lutheran Church as a member of the Philia Club, held many different offices, and sang in the church choir.

He and his wife loved to travel with his family as well as with their good friends, Larry and Sharon Koster. He took his family on annual vacations across the United States, most frequently to the Wisconsin Dells, and took many trips out to Colorado for family reunions.

His greatest joy in life was being a father to his 2 children and a grandpa to his 8 grandchildren. His warm smile always surfaced when he saw his grandchildren, and especially when he saw his great-grandson Cash. Jim was always attending his grandchildren’s numerous activities from dance recitals, band and vocal concerts, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and baseball games. 

He exemplified Christ in everything he did and modeled how to be a father, a grandfather, a husband, and a follower of Jesus.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; his son, Jonathan and his children; Lydia, Evelyn, Josephine and Augustus; daughter, Jennifer (John) Hayden and their children; Taylor (Cale) Jamesson and their son, Cash; Carter (Bryanna Howe), Ella and Kaleb; sisters Joyce Ransom and Janet Newton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law Waldo and Ruth Niebuhr, sisters Jean (Wayne) Silhanek, JoAnn (Wayne) Piebenga, Judy (Randy) Newton; brother-in-laws, Herb Ransom and Terry Newton, and his daughter-in-law Patricia Offt.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM, Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown, with Rev. Jeff Schanbacher officiating.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:30 PM Sunday, Also at the church.  Private family interment will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Online Condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com