James Kenneth Fox

Jim was born on Valentine’s Day 1952 in Mason City, Iowa. The beloved middle son of Kenneth (Dale) Fox and Muriel (Penny) Kiser Fox. In his youth, Jimmy enjoyed playing sports with his dad and older brother and eating his grandmother’s delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. He was grateful to his parents for showing him the value of honest hard work and teaching him to think for himself. Jim graduated from Mason City High School in 1970 and went on to attend The University of Iowa. Following the beat of his own drum Jim left college to hitchhike through the American West, along the coast of California and into Mexico. Experiences from this adventure shaped many of his interests and beliefs. He loved to share stories of his travels and encouraged adventure in others. While in California he read Autobiography of a Yogi and became a lifelong devotee of Yogananda and Self Realization Fellowship.

Upon returning to Mason City, he joined his father’s roofing business Mason City Roofing. In 1975 he married Sandra Neubauer of Mason City. Together they had three daughters Farrah, Chelsea and Courtney. In 1985 the growing family moved to Austin, Texas. Jim began working at Wilson Roofing and retired in 2018 after 33 years. Although retired, he continued to be involved in and run many jobs even from his deathbed. Jim has been on the roof of many of the most prominent buildings and houses in Austin, he has even fallen off some of them. Between his work and being an avid newspaper reader Jim was an expert on Austin history and pop culture.

In 2018, he moved into a tiny hippie house on his daughter’s property in Spicewood, Texas. He spent many hours on landscaping passion projects and playing with his grandkids.

In later years, with more time and money, he began travelling again. He loved hiking, flowers, being in nature and gazing at the night sky. He had a lifelong interest in astronomy and astrology; he would often share his knowledge with loved ones under the stars. Fittingly, he passed away under the waxing beaver super moon, the heavens were calling him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dale and Penny Fox, his ex-wife Sandy and many beloved relatives. He is survived by his daughters; Farrah Fox of Austin, TX, Chelsea (Juan) Mendoza of Spicewood, TX, Courtney Fox of Austin, TX. Grandchildren; Ethan, Olivia, Pilar, Fox and Valentina. His siblings; Randy (Kathy) Fox of Waxhaw, NC, Mariel Fox of Kennesaw GA. Uncle; Ron Kiser of Muscatine IA. Sister-in-law; Rhonda Neely of Jonestown, TX. Cousins; Chris Kiser, Andrew Kiser, Greg Kiser, Elizabeth Kiser, Mark Swehla, Mary Lynn Swehla. Nieces and Nephews; Jenny, Lindsay, Tina, Kylie, Adam, Alex, Stephanie, Michaela, Haley, Jenna, Colin and Elsa.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.