James Alfred Colby

Frank Sinatra’s biggest fan joined him, in what could only be described as a most joyous moment for Jimmy, February 9, 2022, after 83 years of living a life filled with love and friendships that spans the world. Jimmy’s life wasn’t always easy, but he overcame the obstacles put in front of him to create a life filled with the love and respect of so many people. Greeting Jimmy as he passed from this life to the next was his beloved sister, Annette, and his parents, Chester Francis and Gertrude Berdine (Sodergren) Colby, his Irish grandmother, and Swedish grandparents.

He was all in when he loved a favorite team like the Atlanta Falcons, suffering through losing season after losing season at Fulton County Stadium, or basking in the glory of the World Series champion Atlanta Braves. Traveling each year to the Master’s Golf Tournament was always thrilling for Jimmy. Watching Tiger Woods win his first Master’s while sitting on No. 18 and then being there when he won his second was very special to him.

Mickey Mouse and Kermit were ever-present heroes in Jimmy’s life. Kermit followed us in our travels around the world and he appeared at all of the important events in our lives as well, as did Mickey, thanks to our great friends, Deb and Darryl Mickelsen. The kid in Jimmy felt like the posters of Mickey that hung in our home made him happy and he was happy they were both there in his last days.

Jimmy’s love of travel took him all over the world, but there were two favorite places on Earth for him, Boston and Ireland. His love for all things Irish was nurtured by his Irish grandmother and his loyalty to her created a lifetime of proud heritage for him. Although most would say it probably wasn’t needed, Jimmy kissed the Blarney Stone three times, thus ensuring and preserving his gift for gab. He never knew a stranger and each encounter with a new person was just another opportunity for him to build a relationship.

Often, people were greeted upon first meeting Jimmy with his cherry nose. The nose could pop up most anywhere; canoeing in the Okefenokee Swamp, entertaining a group of Irish girl scouts in Scotland, or trying to get an Italian police officer to pose with him. Guests at Jim and Brenda’s wedding were all sporting a classier theatrical version of the nose at the end of their vows.

Jim taught everyone what true love means, living it daily, and he rejoiced in the relationships he held dear. He always saw the goodness in others, except when he didn’t. He railed against the evil that exists in our world and wished for a kinder, more loving existence for everyone.

He never failed to give a compliment or show his gratitude for those who cared for him. His legacy of love and devotion will live on through Brenda, his loving wife of 38 years, his sons, Todd (Tara Goodrich) and Michael (Stacey Burnstein) and his much loved granddaughter, Isabel (Rascal). He also leaves to cherish his memory, special cousins, nieces and nephews and his “mom,” Mary Kai Nelson.

Jimmy often wished he had become a college professor of history. What he may not have known is what an amazing teacher he was for all of us. Life with Jimmy was never dull whether he was putting on a show, raising money for United Way or the Sheltered Workshop in Ottumwa, or talking Brenda into a sailing adventure on their honeymoon. For him, life was all about creating happiness and new adventures for others. Jim put on big shows for Hormel, where he worked for 40 years, opening plants in Atlanta and Ottumwa. He loved planning amazing holiday parties, retirements and QA Days while at Hormel (probably more than the accounting), engaging hundreds of people in his productions.

Jim’s favorite question that he asked and answered with every new person he met was, “You know my favorite thing about Brenda? Her taste in men.” He taught us about love and loyalty while creating joy and laughter for others. He also shared his love of books with others, and he valued the importance of reading a great book or watching an amazing film. He still maintains that Birdman was the best movie of all time.

He was always happiest on the golf course, playing games, especially poker, and always always entertaining us and bringing joy and laughter to others everywhere he went. Our friend from England said Jim was the funniest, wittiest man he had ever met. We all agree with Alan.

We will miss your laughter and your love most of all, sweet Jimmy Mouse. Rest easy now. Rest well. “The best part of life’s journey is who you get to share it with.”

To honor Jimmy’s memory, read a good book or better yet give someone you know a good book, watch a great movie, make someone smile, or vote for a Democrat. Memorials can be made in his honor to Alcoholics Anonymous or Suicide Prevention.

A funeral mass will be held March 17, 2022 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Immaculate Heart in Ankeny followed by a celebration of life reception for Jimmy on March 17, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm at Brenda and Jimmy’s home in Johnston, 10248 Bella Strada Lane.