James D. Fidler, 74, of Burlington, died Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born on June 1, 1951, in Burlington, he was the son of Bernard “Bus” and Billye Bernice Baxter Fidler. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1969 and went on to serve in the U.S. Marines shortly after graduation.
In 1971, he married Gail Hartman, and they welcomed two children, Jason and Jody, before later divorcing. On April 18, 1981, he married Sherry Whalen at Grace United Methodist Church in Burlington.
Jim was a co-owner of Coast to Coast, now known as True Value, in Burlington until his retirement in 2004.
He was a member of the Shoquoquon Boat Club and the Cascade Boat Club. Jim had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping, spending time at the cabin, and fishing. He also treasured traveling and vacationing with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Sherry Fidler of Burlington; four children, Jason Fidler, Jody (Steve) Brown, Lisa (Dusty) Palmer and Lori (Brent) O'Donnell; eight grandchildren, Drake, Lauren. Shay, Ale, Justice, Zane, Jake and Brailey; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; step-sister, Peggy (Tim) Witt, former sister-in-law, Linda McConnell and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, Billye Hines, step-father, Cecil Hines, and two brothers, Danny Fidler and Tim Fidler.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research.