James Allen Marten

James “Jim” A. Marten, 80, passed away on March 10, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital after a long health battle. A memorial visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Weerts Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Walcott Fire Department and Walcott Legion. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.

Jim was born on August 12, 1943 in Davenport to parents Albert and Viola Marten. He graduated from Davenport West High School and went on to take over the family farm. He owned Marten Sod Farm, which started in 1979. On September 11, 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Karen in Davenport, Iowa. Together, they had two children who then blessed them with four granddaughters who he absolutely adored.

In his spare time, Jim could be found riding barrel horses and team roping with friends all over the midwest. He enjoyed going out to eat with his friends and attending horse shows every weekend. In his early years, Jim loved drag racing and recently enjoyed driving his corvette to Friday night stock car races. He was also a fan of watching old western tv shows and Hawkeye Basketball.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 59 years, Karen; daughter, Kari (Scott) Johnson; son, Sean (Sally) Marten; grandchildren, Karli and Cheyenne Johnson, Alison (Jordan) Fullerton and Emma Marten; great grandchild, Pyper Fullerton, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister.

Special thanks to Jim's great-niece Kylie for all her care and knowledge during his stay at the University of Iowa Hospital.