James Lee Dierks, 72, of Clinton, Iowa passed away on November 4, 2020 due to complications from injuries he sustained in a tragic accident in September. After nearly eight-weeks of hospitalization and procedures to treat the severe burns, he eventually passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving wife and children. In following Jim’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held from 11:00 Am until 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 7th at the River Church in Clinton. A graveside service will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 26, 2021 in Dierks Cemetery, rural Clinton. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
James Lee Dierks was born on October 19, 1948 in Clinton, Iowa to Delbert and Wilhelmine (Meyer) Dierks. He grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1967, where he met the love of his life, Diane Gerber. She swept him off his feet as his prom date and by January 26, 1969, the high school sweethearts were united in marriage. It was young love but a love that anyone looked up to and admired, especially their two children Carol and Michael.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force during The Vietnam War. Dedicated to his duty to serve and protect, he spent 21 years in the United States Air Force. He was a meticulous mechanic for the many planes that needed repairs. His time in the Air Force also proved their love could conquer all, especially during the first 11-months of his daughters’ life, where he fought for his country overseas. They eventually became a family of four after having their son, Michael, who shared a very special bond with his father throughout his life.
While Jim moved from military base to military base, the family traveled the world and made many memories that would last a lifetime. After retiring from the Air Force 1989, the family settled in Clinton, where he began working at ADM until retiring in 2009. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin near Sabula, which was his home away from home and has been in the family for generations. It was the great outdoors that he considered heaven on earth which was only 100% accurate if there was a mountain dew within reach.
It did not take much to make Jim happy as he enjoyed the simple things in life. Whether it was fishing or hunting with his son and grandchildren, being a handy man for his daughters crafts and projects that only she could perfect, or watching his grandchildren become successful adults, it was done with love. He was grateful to be able to welcome two great grandchildren into the world as die-hard Dallas Cowboy fans, even if his granddaughter married a Packers fan. This was his definition of living a happy life, all while growing old with his wife and his beloved pups. Jim was also a member at the River Church in Clinton, where he made many lasting friendships.
Jim always had an opinion and was usually known to voice that opinion. He could talk politics with anyone for any amount of time whether he was prepared for it or not. He did this while respecting the opinion of others which was only taken seriously while wearing his “Make America Great Again” ballcap. If we are to remember Jim for Jim, who he was to us, and the tremendous amount of loss we feel, there is only one appropriate way to end this tribute to Jim, which of course would be to say or post something to criticize the crazy democrats we are forced to know.
Those left to miss Jim and his presence are his loving wife, Diane Dierks of Clinton, Iowa; his children, Carol Dierks (Corey Lang) of Dysart, Iowa and Mike Dierks (Lisa Herrington) of Clinton, Iowa; five grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Pawluk, Scott (Alicia) McCright, Joseph McCright, Blake Dierks and McKenna Dierks and two great-grandchildren, Landon and Olivia; two siblings, Karen Burns and Jerry Dierks (twin), and of course his bed buds, Daisy and Dudley. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Larry, David, Danny and Dale who died at birth.
