Jim Tope

Jimmy “Jim” Dean Tope, 71, of West Union, Iowa died Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at his home in Lansing, Iowa.  Jim was born August 24, 1948 to Clarence and Violet (Reinhart) Tope in West Union, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. Jim graduated from North High in West Union and then attended the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a B. A. in Business. Jim joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam.  He was awarded a Bronze Star.

On August 23, 1969, Jim was united in marriage with Mary Jane Baumler at Holy Name Church in West Union. Three daughters were born to this union. Jim was a lifelong resident of West Union. He worked as a supervisor for Atwood Automotive in West Union for twenty-four years and most recently was a transit driver for Northeast Iowa transit for ten years. Throughout his life, Jim liked hunting, fishing and spending time at the river. After retirement, he enjoyed spending summers at his home in Lansing.  His greatest joy was time spent with his children and grandchildren. Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union and belonged to American Legion Post 15.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jane Tope of West Union; his three daughters, Carrie Tope (Kevin Torkelson) of West Union, Betsie (Andy) Frey of Cedar Falls, and Laurie Tope of Decorah; grandchildren, Brayden Dean and Kamryn Hazel; one brother, Stanley (Connie) Tope of West Union; in-laws, Jim and Marsha Baumler of West Union, Bruce and Carol Hovden of Charles City, and Sally Baumler of West Union.  Other family includes many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Clarence and Violet Tope; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Reynold and Helen (Wagner) Baumler.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the West Union Library and/or Palmer Foundation.  Condolences may be sent to the family at PO Box 423, West Union, IA 52175. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family.