James Lee Ivan

Jim was born on June 22, 1973 in Waukegan, Illinois to Joseph James Ivan and Linda Louise Ivan. His family moved to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, where Jim was raised, along with his three younger siblings, Joe, Jaime and John. Jim attended Michigan Technological University and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Once out of college, Jim traveled with his job at WE O’Neil Construction across the country and moved to Dallas in 1999. He met his future bride, Kathy, in Dallas, while he was building a Nordstrom store for O’Neil, in 2000, and they married in 2002.

Jim was a devoted husband, father and friend whose impact on those around him was immeasurable. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Kathy, and their two beloved children, Jack, 21, entering his fourth year at Texas State, and Avery, 18, attending Baylor this fall. His family was the center of his world, and he poured his heart into every moment with them. He is also survived by his father Joseph Ivan; his mother Linda Ivan; his brother Joe Ivan and his wife Veronica and their daughters (Sophie and Chloe); his sister Jaime Ivan and her children (Ethan, Jacob, Abbie, Aimee and Ellie); his brother John Ivan and his daughter (Olivia), as well as many aunts, uncles and a host of cousins.

A man of incredible work ethic and unwavering integrity, Jim was highly respected both professionally and personally. Jim was a devoted and inspiring leader at Ranger Excavating since 2004. Jim loved his work and his coworkers fiercely, building lasting friendships and earning the unparalleled admiration of those he worked alongside. He was known not only for his strength and reliability but also for his humor, kindness and generosity. Whether it was offering a helping hand, lending a listening ear, or going the extra mile for a co-worker or friend, he lived a life of service and kindness.

Taking time for himself and his passions was also a priority for Jim. His love for running started as a path to fitness but quickly became much more. He shared this love of running with his brother Joe and made many new friends in the process. They would travel across the country together for marathons and endurance races, finding any excuse to run together in a new city. He also had a lifelong love of motorsports, which would eventually be passed down to Jack. The two of them never missed a race, whether it be watching a Formula 1 race, or even winning their own Miata races with a team dedicated to racing for sarcoma, Black Flag Sarcoma.

Jim was a pillar of our community, admired for his leadership, compassion and the way he made people feel seen and supported. His legacy is etched in the countless lives he touched, and he will forever be remembered as a selfless man, who truly made the world a far better place for all he met.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, at Austin Christian Fellowship, 6401 River Place Blvd, Austin, Texas 78730. A reception will be held at 9:30am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00am. We welcome all who knew and loved him to join us in celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to 529 education accounts set up for the benefit of Jack Ivan and Avery Ivan. Checks can be made out to "Raymond James" and include the name of the specific child in the memo. Please mail directly to:

Meridian Wealth Advisors

c/o Angela Cruz

3600 N Capital of Texas Hwy

Building B, Suite 150

Austin, Texas 78746