James "Jim" L. Dunlap

James 'Jim' L. Dunlap, 83, of Zearing, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Zearing Health Care Center surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Fredregill Funeral Home in Zearing. Graveside services will be held at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Zearing on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplin Bob Stilger officiating. Casual attire is requested for all service events. Jim was born on August 21, 1932 to Walter and Mildred (Ferguson) Dunlap in Walthill, Nebraska. He was the oldest of six siblings. When Jim was out of high school he helped his father on the farm until he entered into the United States Army in February of 1953. While serving in the Korean Conflict he served with the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion putting to use his mechanical skills. After 1 year, 4 months in Korea Jim earned the rank of Corporal. After his deployment he returned to Nebraska where he was hired by Jackson Construction as a mechanic for their road equipment crew, a job that lead him to Zearing, Iowa. It didn't take long for local Zearing businesses such as K.L. Cerke Ford and Herndon Garage to hi...[more]

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Jim on as a mechanic. While in Zearing he met the love of his life, Margaret, and they were united in marriage on August 7, 1959. To this union one son, Max, was born. Jim and Margaret resided at 311 South Pine in Zearing where Jim started Jim's Garage. He eventually ended up working at the Iowa DOT in Ames until his retirement in August of 1997. Max followed in his father's footsteps and after automotive technical school opened up Max's Auto Repair outside of Zearing where Jim could often be found. He was a quiet man but when he spoke it was usually about cars, hunting, fishing, or his family. Jim is survived by his son, Max (Jackie) Dunlap, of Zearing; Granddaughters Melissa Dunlap, and Katelynn Dunlap; brothers Bob Dunlap of Decatur, Nebraska, and Roy Dunlap of Erwin, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years Margaret, sisters Donna Rawson, Mary Holst, and Alice Shamburg. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to me made the to Jim Dunlap Memorial Fund for use of various local community projects. Jim will be missed but we are at peace knowing he is with Margaret or 'Mugs' as he called her. Fredregill Funeral Home in Zearing has been entrusted with the care of Jim and his family.