James Eich

James Richard "Jim" Eich, age 81, of Fort Dodge, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at Friendship Haven.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Celebration Center at Friendship Haven. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:30 a.m., also at the Celebration Center. Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol; daughter Julie (Darin) Eich of Urbandale; stepchildren Jeff (Chris) Anderson of Webster City, Tim (Kathy) Anderson of Webster City, and Amy (Jayson) Heesch of Dayton. He is also survived by his sister Monica (Larry) Johnson of Easley, South Carolina; sister-in-law Lavon Eich of Carroll, along with numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Virgene and Jack Kuns, Roger and Bonnie Eich; his beloved son Bob Eich; his wife Diana Eich; siblings Mike Eich, Mark Eich, Connie Mitchell and brother-in-law John Mitchell.

Jim was born on May 12, 1943, in Carroll, Iowa, to Roger and Virgene (Schacht) Eich and was raised in Templeton. He graduated from Carroll Kuemper Catholic High School and went on to become a well-known and respected barber in the Fort Dodge community. Over the course of his career, he owned and operated Jim's Modern Man and California Concepts.

Jim was united in marriage to Gwen Gustafson in 1966. Together they raised two children, Bob and Julie. Following their divorce, Jim married Diana Bradfield in 1997. After her passing, he married Carol Anderson in 2004. Jim and Carol made their home in Fort Dodge overlooking the Des Moines River. They enjoyed winters in Theodosia, Missouri, and later in Mesa, Arizona.

A devoted Iowa State Cyclones fan and passionate outdoorsman, Jim found great joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time on his deck observing local wildlife. He was proud of his family's Templeton heritage and loved telling stories about the area's bootlegging history.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity, Friendship Haven or Unity Point Hospice Fort Dodge.