Jim Earl Martindale, 85, of Burlington, died Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born July 1, 1941, in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Earl and Norma (Chapman) Martindale. On July 28, 1962, he married Sharon Kay Mower in Burlington, Iowa.
Jim grew up in Burlington, and later graduated from Burlington High School in 1959. He went on to serve his country through the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. Upon his return, he continued his education through SCC's Technical Science program in 1965; and later achieved his bachelor's degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1976.
Jim went to work as an Industrial Engineer for numerous firms, including International Resistance Company, Inc., General Electric, and Scheller-Globe. He would then go on to work as an Assistant Plant Manager for Champion Products and Lamont International. Jim was then a Plant Manager for Doran and Ward; and finally, a Foreman for Sheaffer Pen.
Jim enjoyed his time outdoors. He looked forward to hunting with his friends and family, and took several hunting trips to Canada. Jim enjoyed the Mississippi River, and spent many hours fishing, or watching the river roll by from his cabin on the river. He was an active member of Ed's Big Island Club (1966-1991) and the Burlington Sportsman Club (holding the position of Secretary Treasurer, and member of the board for numerous years).
Jim was very active in Bethany Lutheran Church, serving as past council President, and Secretary/Treasurer. He served on the property committee, and was the head of the endowments committee for several years.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Kay Martindale of Burlington, IA; daughter, Cathi (Mark) Pierce of Kingwood, TX; daughter-in-law, Sheila Martindale of Springhill, KS; grandchildren, Brett Rudy, Brian Rudy, Braydon (Alina) Rudy, Nicholas (Chelsea) Martindale, Abbey (Justin) Allen, Holly Martindale, Samantha (Ronnie) Krieg, Tyler (Emily) Melville, Wesley Burch, Sydney (Tyler) Bishop-Perez, Marcus (Delaney) Pierce; great-grandchildren, Avery, Kaelyn, Jovy, Presley, Lincoln, Langston, Larson, Walker, Ryder, Audrey, Isaac, Elliot, Iyla, Bennett, Rowan, Riley, Molly, Miles; brother, Jay Dee Martindale; and sister, Janice Lee Williams.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffrey Martindale; and one sister, Jo Ann Diaz.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church.
The funeral service for Jim will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Nathaniel Adkins officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the burial.
Memorials are suggested to either Bethany Lutheran Church or the Des Moines County Humane Society.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.