James Weldon Strickler

Jim Strickler passed on Sunday, September 15, 2024, exactly one week after his 86th birthday, with his wife of 64 years at his side.

Jim was born on September 8, 1938 in Dexter, Iowa. He grew up fishing and hunting. He enlisted in the Army as a young man and left as a Corporal after serving in Germany and France from 1956-1958. His life took a wonderful turn when he met a raven-haired beauty named Judith Anne Cole at the Des Moines Chili King. After a whirlwind romance that included Judy graduating from high school early, they married and went on to have 3 children. Jim and Judy enjoyed deep friendships in Newton, Iowa and Plymouth, Minnesota where they raised their children and Jim worked for Globe Loan, Wilson, O’Brien and Grout Real Estate and was a long time advertising sales rep for the Vernon Company. Jim and Judy left the Midwest to retire in Naples, Florida in 1993 where Jim helped with the family preschool business, Sandcastle, and went on to work for more than 20 years at Publix.

Jim was well known for his various collections of rocks, stamps, coins, and ironwood sculptures. What he was most known for was his warm sense of humor and commitment to his wife and family. He was gifted at telling a good joke and never forgot a name. He could be counted on by any of his children or grandchildren to be available to drive them anywhere (across the state in a snowstorm or across the country); if he wasn’t in the car, he was available by phone, especially during long road trips. He never missed any of his kids’ sporting events and activities, but left the school conferences to Judy; the kids have special memories of hot air balloon rides, days spent fishing, floating the Apple River, homemade ice-cream and so much laughter. Jim and Judy traveled overseas on many special trips with friends and family, including overseas trips to the Panama Canal, Europe, Greece, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, and Mexico. They also traveled to California, Oregon, Iowa, Alaska and Colorado to visit family and friends. Later in life, his body weakened but his love for family never failed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Velma Strickler and brother, Marion. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judy, children Steve (Michelle) Strickler, Dayna Strickler-Tham, and Jill Strickler. He is also survived by grandchildren Joshua Strickler, Jon (Codie) Strickler, Paul (Olivia Glasscock) Strickler, Sarah Strickler, Daniel Strickler, Ben Strickler, Luke Strickler and Jenna Tham, brother-in-law Jim Gabrielson, and nieces and nephews in Minnesota, California, and Illinois.

Jim will be dearly missed and we believe his spirit of fun and caring will live on in each of us who loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Fuller Funeral Home on Pine Ridge Road in Naples, Florida at 4pm on Sunday, September 22. Friends are encouraged to share a sentiment with the family online at FullerNaples.com