James Patrick Markhardt

James “Jim” Patrick Markhardt, age 82, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on July 31, 2025. Jim lived life to the fullest, guided by a strong work ethic, a deep love for his family, and an unwavering passion for racing and the outdoors.

Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 am at Graceland Cemetery, 600 West 23rd Avenue, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301. James and his wife, Vaye Jean,will be laid to rest together during this service.

Born on February 27, 1943, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Alvin and Margaret (King) Markhardt, Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1961. It was there that he met the love of his life, Vaye Jean. The two were married shortly after graduation and shared 56 wonderful years together until her passing in 2017.

Jim began his career as a carpenter in heavy highway construction, working most of his life with Jensen Construction Company. His work took him across the Midwest and southern United States, where he helped build bridges and infrastructure that would stand the test of time. Though he never had the opportunity to attend college himself, he took great pride in seeing both his sons graduate from Iowa State University with degrees in engineering.

In 1969, Jim moved his young family from South Dakota to Huxley, Iowa, where he and Vaye raised their two sons, Kim and Kevin. Jim remained in Huxley for 48 years before settling in Ankeny after Vaye’s passing.

Jim’s passion for sprint car racing became a defining part of his life. He and Vaye were longtime fixtures at Knoxville Raceway, becoming beloved members of the racing community and forming lifelong friendships there.

Outside of racing, Jim found joy in hunting, playing pool, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and Green Bay Packers. He especially enjoyed wintering in Florida, where he was a proud member of the American Legion in Treasure Island.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Vaye Jean; his eldest son, Kim Markhardt (a proud military veteran, passed in 2024); and his parents, Alvin and Margaret Markhardt.

He is survived by his son, Kevin (Sharon) Markhardt of Peachtree City, GA; his grandchildren, Nicklaus of Simpsonville, SC, and Melissa (Kristian Rowden) of Atlanta, GA; his brother, Larry Markhardt of Rockford, IL; and his sister, Kathy Walz of Mt. Vernon, SD and several loving extended family members.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jim and his family would also like to thank the doctors and staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, whose care and expertise gave him many more years of life following a successful heart transplant in 2008.

Condolences may be sent to the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 West 1st Street, Ankeny, Iowa 50023.