James “Jim” Gilbert Blood

James “Jim” Gilbert Blood, Jr, 78, of Sheffield, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Celebrating the life of Jim Blood will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. A private family burial will take place in the Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield. In lieu of flowers you can give to any of Jim’s favorite charities Els for Autism, Franklin County Relay for Life, Sheffield Care Center, Sheffield EMS and Sheffield Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton. 

Born on June 28, 1947, in Hampton, Iowa, Jim was the son of James “Gunner” and Juanita (Emhoff) Blood. He graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School and attended NIACC. On September 9, 1967 he married his love Diana (Bell) in Mason City, Iowa. Next month they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. He left home two weeks later to proudly serve his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as an E5 in the 9th Medic of the 9th Infantry.

In 1972 he started what would be his farm tile legacy, Iowa Drainage Inc in Sheffield, Iowa. He prided himself in his work ethic and ability to look at a field and show the farmers where the tile mains are in the field. Many were in awe that 99% of the time he was spot on for locating tile. The miles he walked flagging out entire jobs would make your head spin. A numbers person he was a man that always was setting goals! He loved the fact that we had installed enough tile to go Around the World! He was fortunate enough to have outstanding employees with many working for him for 40 to 52 years. That says a lot about Dad and how he treated others.

Two synonymous words are Dad and Nature. He was one of the founders of the Franklin County Ducks’ Unlimited and the masterpiece he designed and shaped for the habitat to flourish. Many days were spent sitting at the Shack telling stories or just sitting in awe at all that surrounded them. Dad recently found great joy with the Delta Waterfowl sharing his habitat with a Youth Hunt Day and Veteran Hunt. You would see him sitting back with that grin watching young boys and girls learn about hunting. He was a lifetime member of both Pheasants Forever and Buffalo Basin Chapter of Delta Waterfowl.

His second greatest love, after Mom of course, was that for his love of his four daughters and the multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren that brought the biggest smile to his face. He found great love in teasing them all and making them giggle. The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke about one of his girls endeavors spoke volumes of his love and admiration. The countless memories we made as a family with laughter and love in our favorite places of Emerald Bay in Mazatlan, JEST Acres, Clear Lake…well I would say anywhere that we were together we made memories.

Dad, you brought more love and joy to not only each one of your family but to a multitude of people across the states. The impact and legacy that you leave is one that we should each try to fulfill each day. Giving of yourself, a smile, a silent monetary donation left as a Secret Santa year round gift, or just a simple stop by to say Hi and see how you are doing touched many people. To you dad and all your “oh god damn” and “what a guy outta do” comments we will cherish our memories and try to live up to all that you meant to us. We love you forever.

Jim is survived by his wife Diana, four daughters Tracy (Tim) Shreckengost, Sheffield, Shelley (Steve) Sheppard, Clear Lake, Erin (Darin) Suntken, Sheffield, Jamie (Dan) Stanbrough, Sheffield. Eleven grandchildren Sydney (Kory) Mitthun, Madison (Ben) Neal, Hunter (Taylor) Myers, Gunnar (Lauren) Myers, Alexandra Suntken, Sage Suntken, Dax Suntken, Abbie (Jordan) Jurgens, Ellen (Hunter) Scholl, Lucas Stanbrough, Caden Stanbrough. Eleven Great Grandchildren Paisley Jurgens, Mia Mitthun, Asher Myers, Vivienne Neal, Berkley Scholl, Hank Neal, Rex Jurgens, Alaina Myers, Zoie Mitthun, Adam Myers, and Baby Girl Neal. Nephews Nick (Whitney) Carroll, Derek (Jill) Carroll and Niece Angela (Dan) Macklin. Great nieces and nephews Zac, Maison, Maximus, Alexys, Elizabeth, Nova and Brynlee. Sister-in-law Sharon Bell. He was preceded in death by parents Gunner & Juanita Blood, father and mother-in-law Mac and Dee Bell and half brothers Douglas and Dennis Hobbiebrunken.

The family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you for the love and care Jim and family received at the Sheffield Care Center and Saint Mary’s Hospital, Rochester.