James “TR” Peiffer

James “TR” Peiffer

Washington

James “TR” Peiffer, age 73, of Washington, IA, passed away May 30, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Fr. Bernie Wehr officiating. Calling hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be

present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, IA. A memorial has been established for the Mid-Prairie Fine Arts Boosters, as Jim so enjoyed attending his granddaughter Abby’s choir, theater and speech activities. Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Jim was born in Washington, Iowa on August 8, 1950 to Edwin and Phyllis (Crayne) Peiffer. He graduated from Washington High School in 1968, and after trying his hand at a few different roles, he joined his Dad to work on the farm in West Chester. He put in 16 years working on the farm, getting to experience plenty of laughs with his Dad. He then worked 12 years at IBP (now Tyson Foods), followed by 20 years at the University of Iowa. He was also employed part-time at Cub Foods in Iowa City for 15 years, sharing some of that time with 2 of sons, Cory and Colin, who worked there as well. Following his retirement from the University in 2018, he quickly became bored, and started looking for his next opportunity. He was then hired by Sunrise Child Care in Wellman, where he instantly became a favorite fixture. He delighted in being greeted every day by 30+ children of all ages who lovingly knew him only as “Papa Jimmy,” since his grandson Tanner attended the center and let everyone know just who he was! He came to know the children and their parents by name. He took great pride in polishing the daycare center until it sparkled! (Just like his vehicles!) He was there until 2023, when his declining health forced a second retirement. Jim’s work ethic could not be matched and was only upstaged by his room-brightening smile and positive can-do attitude and outlook on life. He put his all into everything he did with a smile on his face, unless he was chasing livestock or was tiring in the hayloft stacking bales on the farm!

Jim had a number of fast cars and was a true reflection of the 50's and 60's, loving the cars and music from those years. Friends from his youth nicknamed him “Texas Ranger” and shortened it to “TR”. His most recent weekend cruiser was a decked out 2007 Mustang GT, complete with Crager rims, a loud dual exhaust system, and his favorite must-have car accessory - a pair of fuzzy dice dangling from the rearview mirror. He liked to travel with his car to enter it into car shows - as long as there wasn’t a chance of rain, of course. He still got a kick out of revving the engine, burning off the tires, and making the paint shine like a mirror! Jim told many stories of racing down “114” or the 4-lanes in Washington, and outrunning the cops with his friends any chance he could get. He could still identify the make and model of any car from the 50’s - 70’s, and recall someone he knew that owned one. There was probably also a story to go along with that about how fast or loud the car was, or how the owner raced it / wrecked it / got into trouble with it! Jim also took great pleasure keeping his Ford Ranger in pristine condition, exclaiming often that he “never saw another one with dual exhaust like mine!”

Jim married Bonnie (Palmer) and they became parents to 3 sons - Chad, Cory and Colin. The family spent their time on the "north farm" in West Chester, and Chad owns a few of those acres today. He relocated to Washington after retiring from the University of Iowa, so he could be close to Chad's family. He was proud of his home, finding pleasure in working outside on his lawn and landscaping, and polishing the Mustang, "Jim's GT." Jim was an animal person, sharing time over the years with his pets including Casey, Casey Bear, Simon, and most recently, Snowball.

Of all of Jim’s roles in life, being a grandpa was one he treasured most! His first granddaughter, Abby, lovingly coined him “Papa Jimmy” when she was just 3 years old, and he joyfully answered to that for the last 12 years. Papa Jimmy was there for all of the big moments, never missing a birthday or a holiday with a perfectly chosen Hallmark card in hand. He was at the hospital when his first grandson, Tanner, was born. More importantly, he was there for the small things, too. He came for impromptu meals and was happy to watch Smoky and the Bandit on repeat or play with cars and tractors on the floor with Tanner, while listening to Abby rehearse for an upcoming concert. He could always be found in one of the front rows during any of Abby’s activities, singing along, tapping his foot and clapping loudly for her at the end. Just last month he drove Abby and her date to the prom in his GT. He found happiness during camping trips and added to “the more the merrier” at Betsy’s family gatherings in Missouri. Papa Jimmy will be dearly missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him, especially his smile that radiated a combination of excitement, love, and acceptance. His grin had the power to make anyone’s day brighter, simply by seeing him.

He is survived by his sons - Chad (Betsy) of West Chester, Cory (Brittany) of Newton, KS, and Colin of Newton, KS; four beloved grandchildren - Abby and Tanner of West Chester and Callie and Cameron of Newton, KS. He is also survived by his sister, brothers and sister-in-law including Kathy (Dennis) Bishop of Olathe, KS, John Peiffer of Adamsville, TN, Rich (Chris) Peiffer of West Chester, Mark (Karla) Peiffer of West Des Moines, IA, and Joyce Peiffer Smith of Washington. Also left to remember him are a niece and several nephews along with their families and many friends. Perry Pfeiffer was a special work colleague who became a best friend.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Phyllis, sister Vicki, and brother Bob.