James "Jim" H. Redel

James "Jim" H. Redel

Anamosa

James “Jim” Hastings Redel, 90, of Anamosa, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Celebration of Life services will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Anamosa on July 7, 2022. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with services to follow at 2 p.m. and light refreshments after.

Jim was born Feb. 19, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Arthur and Alyce Redel. He attended Franklin High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Coe College and his master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University. He was a standout, multi-sport athlete. Jim enjoyed a long, successful career as a teacher, coach and overall life mentor to so many. He enriched the lives of everyone who knew him, including students, players, fellow teachers and coaches, friends, and community members, but most of all, his enormous, blended family.

He married his “high school sweetheart,” Joann L. Pinckney, in September 1951 and together they had four beautiful children, Denny, Gary, Roxy and Connie.

He then married the “love of his life,” Margaret M. Woodley, in December 1983, which added five more beautiful children, Nancy, Tim, Jeff, Danny and Kristi.

He was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Anamosa and attended Gulf Shores United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, Ala., regularly as a seasonal snowbird. Hearing the glorious music of the choirs was always a favorite. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and expressed numerous times that his life was blessed because he and Jesus were on the same team.

Jim enjoyed life! He found great pleasure and had immense pride in his 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He loved sports, ALL sports, whether he played or whether he was watching children or grandchildren compete. He carried the nickname “the game warden” given to him by his kids because he always “had a game we could play.” He was a brilliant bridge player and had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring many, many in his community. He will LONG be remembered for his strategic competitiveness. He was an avid golfer his entire life and made many great memories on beautiful golf courses across Iowac, but his favorite was being an active member of Fawn Creek Country Club in Anamosa. He rarely missed a Hawkeye football or basketball game and followed his beloved KoHawks faithfully.

Jim loved his beautiful home “on golden pond” and looked forward to the geese coming back every spring. He expressed how fortunate he was daily. Truth be told, the people who were blessed to be a part of his FULL life were the fortunate ones! His memory will last forever.

Memorials will be taken by First Congregational United Church of Christ.