James Neal Dick

James Neal Dick

Douds

James Neal Dick of Douds, IA passed away Dec. 30, 2025 at Country Lane Manor in Keosauqua, IA at the age of 90.

James was born Oct. 12, 1935 just west of the Douds junction to Kenneth and LaVerne Hoskin Dick. To welcome James into the family was his big brother Richard. Tragedy would strike the family just 4 years later when James would lose his father Kenneth just 3 days before Christmas. His mother LaVerne would later marry Robert Crist Sr. Sister Linda and brother Bobby were added to make the family complete. James attended Douds Consolidated School where he enjoyed playing High School basketball with his taller teammates. As James was nearing High School graduation, his mother asked him what his plans were for after graduation and he quickly replied “I’m going to farm”. His mother responded with “Then you're going to need a job and the school needs a bus driver, go apply”. James continued with this job for 57 years. He and his brother Richard owned Dick Brothers Service in Leando. This provided 24-hour gas availability for James, Frank Caves and Shorty Benge. However, this was problematic for Richard trying to keep inventory.

James started going to Stockport a lot and met the love of his life, Louise Pope. James and Louise were married June 7, 1959 in Stockport. From this union was born a daughter Darla and a son Douglas. James continued to farm with his stepdad and uncle Mel Crist, taking time twice daily to go run his bus route. James made sure that he taught his children how to work and would often say, “There will be time to play after the work is done.” But on the farm, rarely was the work ever done.

Mother LaVerne passed away in 1969 and Stepdad Robert in 1971. James ensured younger brother Bobby was cared for. With the help of their Aunt Thelma Ratcliff, Bobby finished High School and James insisted he go on to college.

James loved his community of Douds and served on many organizations: Douds Field Day, Douds Community Club, Historical Society, Mount Moriah Cemetery board and Douds Fire Department.

In 1998 James lost his wife Louise after a long illness. They shared 39 years of marriage. Brother Richard passed in 2018. James would later marry the neighbor lady, Sondra Smith. They shared 13 years together before Sondra’s passing in 2022.

James’ legacy lives on with his children, Darla (Allen) Melcher and Doug (Rachel) Dick. Grandchildren, Amber (Mark) Thornton, Dana (Mitch) Anderson, Abby (Thomas) Hasley, Darby (James) Hill, Dexter (Tara) Dick, Dayln (Brooke) Dick, 9 Great-Grandchildren and 1 more on the way.

Funeral services to honor his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. Interment will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery next to wife Louise.

Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the funeral home with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be directed to the Douds Fire Department and mailed to 14918 Gray Ave., Douds, IA 52551. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.