James Bartels

James Matthew Bartels, 46, passed away on December 17th, 2020 of injuries sustained in a car accident in Altoona, Iowa. Jim was born on June 7th, 1974 in Lake City, IA to Bob & Mary Jo Anderson. Bob Anderson passed away in December of 1974. Mary Jo then married Jack Bartels who adopted Jim at an early age.

Jim attended Southeast Polk schools where he graduated in the class of 1992 and then went on to study building trades at DMACC. Jim was a framing carpenter for 6 years following his time at DMACC, during that time he married Stephanie Bartels (Vander Hart) and they were blessed with three children, Drew (19), Jessie (13) and Abby (12). Jim & Stephanie were married until 2015. Following his time as a carpenter, Jim was employed at John Deere Des Moines Works for 20 years. Jim enjoyed his time at John Deere, he cherished the friendships he built in those years and took great pride in being a union steward where he was dedicated in his work for his fellow UAW coworkers.

Jim was a loving father who loved spending quality time with his kids. He was an avid outdoorsman loving to hunt, fish and target shoot with his guns and bow. Jim also enjoyed rooting for the Cubs and never gave up on his Detroit Lions. Jim had a great sense of humor, was quick witted and was someone you could always share a laugh with. Anyone who knew Jim knew of the importance of his friends and family. Jim would do anything at any time for any one of us.

Jim was able to find love and companionship in Jodi Howard who shared many of the same interests as Jim. They enjoyed spending countless hours together fishing.
Jim will always be remembered for his kind heart, strength (both physical and personal) and selfless dedication to friends and family.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Bob Anderson; and his grandparents.
Jim is survived by his children: Drew, Jessie, and Abby; parents, Jack and Mary Jo Bartels; brothers: Jake (Christy) Bartels, and Nate (Ann) Bartels; nieces and nephews: Addison, Emmett, Bennet, Elyse, and Evelyn; his girlfriend: Jodi Howard; and her children: Dillon, Emilee, and Colton.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona. The family will greet friends at the church from 5-7 p.m., on Monday, with a vigil to begin at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Altoona Cemetery.

For services at the church, the family requests masks be worn and social distancing is encouraged. To join the service via live stream, click the link below:

LIVE STREAM LINK

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