James "Jim" Ferch

James “Jim” Ferch, 65, of Charles City, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. A gathering of family and friends for Jim will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City. James “Jim” John Ferch, the son of Roger and Dorothy (Gilbert) Ferch, was born on October 12, 1956 in Charles City, Iowa. He (along with his six sisters and one brother), grew up at 1202 Clark Street, better known as the Ferch House among close family and friends. Jim graduated from Charles City High School in 1975 where he was active in sports, especially football and wrestling. After graduation, he joined the Iowa Army National Guard for several years. Jim worked with his father, brother, uncle and cousins at RA Ferch Construction, Salsbury/Cambrex Chemical and most recently Machine Tool Engineering, Inc. in Charles City. He enjoyed mowing lawns and doing other yard work including trying to grow flowers along his home. Jim loved animals, cats and dogs in particular, and fed some of the neighborhood squirrels. He liked to collect brass, elephants, hood ornaments, work on his cars (he kept all of the registrations from the muscle cars he owned) and riding his bicycle. Living family members include his daughter, Ginny (David) Driver of Bellevue, Nebraska; son, Anthony Ferch Lonergan of St. Paul, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Ivie Driver, Deegan Driver and Piper Lonergan; siblings: Jackie Ferch of Mason City, twin sister Joyce Heitz of Charles City, Judy Ferch of Mason City, Janit (Scott) Heinz of Charles City, Joe (Glenda) Ferch of Charles City, Joan Reams (Kenny Walker) of Charles City and Jean (Jim) Breitkreutz of Colwell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jane Ferch; and brother-in-law, Richard Heitz.