James (Jim) Fox

James (Jim) William Fox of Bettendorf, Iowa passed to heaven peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by family. Jim was a committed family man, a generous friend, and an all-around athlete.

Jim was born on November 21, 1936, to James Dewey Fox and Iola Belle (McDaniel) Fox in Centerville, Iowa. He graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1955 where he was a four-time varsity wrestler and two-time varsity football player. He was captain of the wrestling team for 3 years and the football team his senior year. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dubuque (UD) in 1962 and a Master of Science degree from Western Illinois University in 1982. While at the UD he started in both wrestling and football and was elected team captain his senior year. He won the Iowa Conference Championship in wrestling at 157 pounds. In 2003 he was inducted into the UD Athletic Hall of Fame for both wrestling and football. The UD continues to honor him with an annual wrestling tournament, the Jim Fox Invitational.

Jim married the love of his life, Mary Jane (Jane) Faust, on June 2, 1962. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and were more in love with each passing year. Together they enjoyed family outings, traveling, boating, snow skiing, golfing, and spending time with one another.

Jim taught physical education for 34 years, mostly in the Davenport Public schools at Madison Elementary. He also was a high school and college football referee for 25 years, chairman of the Bix 7 Run downtown water team for over 20 years, and a volunteer fireman for the Bettendorf Fire department for 19 years.

Jim was active in his church and community. He served as a deacon at Bettendorf Presbyterian church, including leading the Salvation Army meal preparation. He was past master and active in the Snow Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, and a member of the Kaaba Shine.

In 2006 Jim received the gift of life from a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic. After two years he learned about the donor and his family. He is grateful to the Bruner family for the decision they made to donate the liver of their son, Steve Bruner. Marilyn and Charles Bruner became dear friends.

Jim is survived by his cherished wife, Jane Fox; daughters, Kelly (Charles) McDonald and Kerry Fox-Ausman; grandchildren, Lexi Ausman, Katie Ausman, Jessica Ausman, Tyler (Jasmine) McDonald; great granddaughter, Ella McDonald; sisters, Sandra Cross and Peggy Fox; sister-in-law, Janet Fox; nephew, Gerald Allen, who is like a son, and many other nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, June Nowak; brother, Cyrus Fox; brothers-in-law, Robert Nowak and Larry Cross; son-in-law, Gary Ausman; and granddaughter, Morgan McDonald.

Visitation will be at Weerts Funeral Home Thursday, February 26th, 3 -6 pm, with Masonic services at the conclusion of visitation. The funeral service will be held at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 27th at 11 am with luncheon, and burial to follow at Davenport Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the James Fox Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, www.dbq.edu/invest at the University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.