James M. Vermillion

James “Jim” M. Vermillion passed away peacefully at Comfort House in Pella on Sept. 15, 2025. Jim was born on December 30, 1927, to William and Alma Vermillion. Jim had two brothers and three sisters, who he remained close to throughout their lives.

Jim was born and raised in Newton, graduating from Newton High School in 1945. He worked briefly at Maytag, before serving with the U.S. Army after the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from the service, he worked at Maytag for 42 years, retiring in 1989. Primarily, Jim worked as a tool and die maker, and through the course of employment, received several awards for ideas and innovations that improved efficiency and excellence in his department.

The first time Jim met Roberta “Bert” Blackledge, he told her that he was going to marry her, and he did on July 2, 1950. During their marriage of 66 years, Jim and Bert welcomed three children: Michael, Timothy, and Linda.

Following retirement, Jim did not slow down… in fact, he rarely sat down! Jim could be found working on numerous mechanical projects, enjoying vacations with his family, working in his shop, flying for a morning breakfast in the Amanas, or to Florida or the Bahamas, golfing and riding his bicycle around the neighborhood. One could find Jim (with the help of Bert) assisting with gardening and numerous household projects with their adult children. When Bert’s health required care, Jim faithfully cared for her, until her death in 2017. Well into his 90’s, he could be found reading, until his eyesight prohibited it. Jim enjoyed living in his own home independently, getting out six days a week for lunch with family, the seventh day being chore day!

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta; his parents, William and Alma; and siblings, Dorothy, Nadine, Roberta, Bill, and Dick. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mike Vermillion, Tim (Lynn) Vermillion, and Linda (Bret) Pugh; grandchildren, Zach Vermillion, Alex (Kalie) Vermillion, Paden (Molly) Pugh, and Jacy (Bryson) Amato; his three great-grandchildren, Izabella, Wesley, and Everleigh; a niece, Donna Vollers; and brother and sisters-in-law, Leland (Beth) Blackledge and Jan Smith. Long time friends also include Lisa Dirks, Diane Ray, Sandy Murrow, and Tim Onnen.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newton, where Jim and Roberta were charter members and served in several capacities at the church. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service and again after the service with light refreshments. A private inurnment will be held at Newton Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church may be left at the church the day of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Jim had a full and wonderful life. He worked hard, provided for his family well and when he saw a need in others, he was there to help.