James Kalsem

James Porter Kalsem, 93, a proud veteran, automobile electrician, and self-taught "Renaissance man," passed away peacefully at his home in Ames on March 9, 2026. Funeral services for James Kalsem will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, in Ames. Burial will follow at Midvale Cemetery, north of Huxley. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM on Monday morning at Grandon's. Born on the family homestead in Kelley, Iowa on August 22, 1932, James was the eldest son of Porter and Cleo (Bates) Kalsem--a beginning that rooted him in a lifelong love for the Iowa land and the family that tended it. His first job off the farm was driving milk truck for George Wilson in Kelley, delivering from local dairy farmers to the area creameries. George later was grandfather to James' daughter-in-law, Shannon. James's journey took him from the family farm to enlistment in the United States Air Force. During the Korean War era, he proved his technical brilliance by training for two years on every single system of the B-29 Superfortress. Serving as a Tail Gunner and later as a Crew Chief, he transitioned the fleet f...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

propellers to the jet age, managing F-80, F-84, and F-86 aircraft. After ten years of service--much of it spent in the heat of West Texas at Webb AFB and later with the Air Guard in Des Moines--James brought his expertise home. For 45 years, he was employed Ames Auto Electric, retiring at the age of 65. As a master automobile electrician, there wasn't a wiring diagram he couldn't decipher or a motor he couldn't revive. Following his "retirement" he worked for his friend Rex Baker at Williams Cylinder Head in Nevada, well into his 80's. James was a man of quiet intellect and diverse passions. A "voracious reader," he was a familiar face at the ISU Library, where he spent countless hours researching history and mechanics. His hobbies were a testament to his curiosity: • The Collector: He had a deep appreciation for the history of firearms and the craftsmanship of the Model T. • The Historian: He was an expert on Civil War and WWI history, often tracing the stories of his father's generation. • The Hunter: In his downtime, James could be found metal detecting, patiently unearthing hidden pieces of the past from the Iowa soil. Despite his many technical talents, James's greatest joy was found in the simple act of "visiting." Whether throwing a ball around with his sons or engaging in a deep conversation about how things worked, he was happiest when surrounded by his family. He shared 60 years of devoted marriage with his wife, Merlie (Foster) Kalsem, building a life defined by loyalty and steady, quiet love. James is survived by his sons, Jim (Shannon) Kalsem and Bill Kalsem; his grandson, Porter Lee Kalsem; and his sister, June Squire. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Merlie, in 2022, and his siblings: Johnny Kalsem, Becky Gator, Marge Muench, and Roger Kalsem.