Jim French

Funeral services for Jim French will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at
Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A
luncheon will be held at the funeral home following the service. Burial at the Marysville
Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family and will be
designated at a later date.
James Richard “Jim” French was born on August 7, 1938, in Knoxville Iowa, to Kenneth
and Belva (Creech) French. Jim grew up learning the value of hard work, family, and
faith, values that would remain important to him throughout his life.
In June of 1959, Jim married Janet Heaton, beginning a marriage that would span more
than 66 years. Together, they built a life centered around their family, their faith, and the
many experiences they shared along the way. Jim and Janet made their home in
Bussey, Iowa, where they raised their family and created a lifetime of memories.
Jim spent his working years at John Deere, retiring after a long career. Even in
retirement, he was never one to sit idle. Jim enjoyed building homes and working on
construction projects, putting his skills and hardworking nature to good use. He was a
man who liked to stay busy and took pride in a job well done.
Jim also enjoyed traveling, especially when those adventures could be shared with
Janet. The two made many memories together, including their travels to Alaska, where
they enjoyed camping. On one occasion, Jim and his son, Jeff, planned a weeklong
father-and-son trip to Colorado, but Jim missed Janet so much that they returned home
after only three days.
Faith was an important part of Jim's life. He and Janet were active in the Nazarene
Church, where he really enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. Music
held a special place in his heart, and he and Janet especially enjoyed singing together.
Above all, Jim loved his family. He especially treasured his grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren and the time he was able to spend with
them. Christmas was one of his favorite times of the year. Having everyone under one
roof, enjoying the holidays and simply being together at home, brought him great
happiness. Those family gatherings and the memories made around them will always
be a special part of Jim's legacy.
Jim passed away on October 27, 2026, at Crystal Heights Oskaloosa, Iowa at the age
of 88. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his faith, his love of music, and
most importantly, his devotion to the family he loved so dearly.
Jim is survived by his children: Jeff (Julia) French, Julie (Jeff) Hagmeier, and Jimmy
(Tiffany) French; his grandchildren: Travis (Holly) French, Lucas (Kari) French, Larry
(Kelsie) Merrill, William (Jamie) Hagmeier, Shawn (Sara) Hagmeier, Trevor Hagmeier,
Alex French, Hailey (Cody) Nguyen, and Payton French; along with his great-
grandchildren: Hunter (Abby), Jillian, Khloe, Mackynize (Tyler), Aniston, Lyrica, Huxley,
Linken, Preston, Zachary, Carter, Lola, and Gia; great-great-grandchildren: Vada, Millie,
Frankie, and Velzy. He is also survived by his brother, Russell French, and many
extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet French, who passed away on
August 16, 2025; his parents, Kenneth and Belva French; and his brother, Larry French.