July 14, 1951 – July 22, 2025
James E. “Jim” Martinson, 74, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Services to honor his life will be held 3:00pm Friday, August 22, 2025 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, at a later date.
The family will greet friends and relatives from 1:00pm to 3:00pm prior to the service.
Born on July 14, 1951, in Estherville, Iowa, James Eldon was the son of Carl and Besse (Conzemius) Martinson. He grew up in Montana, and after the family moved to North Iowa, graduated from Mason City High School. He completed his education at North Iowa Area Community College. Before his 33 year long career at Minnesota Rubber, Jim worked as the visual arts maintenance at Mason City High School, where his knack for fixing things and attention to detail stood out.
On April 6, 1991 he married the love of his life, Cheryl Jones. They were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Corey.
A natural problem-solver, Jim was endlessly curious. He loved to tinker—whether it was small engines, lawn mowers, cars, or anything with moving parts. If it was broken, Jim could fix it; if it wasn’t broken, he might still take it apart just to understand how it worked. He was a talented woodworker, and his craftsmanship lives on in the handiwork found throughout his home and the homes of his sons.
Jim and Cheryl were deeply involved in their sons’ lives. They were dedicated Boy Scout leaders, confirmation teachers at church, and the kind of parents who showed up—whether it was for soccer, football, baseball, or any moment that mattered. Jim had a deep love for music and always welcomed a good conversation about it—or really, any topic at all. He had a gift for making people feel at ease, always quick to find common ground and spark a laugh. A true “dad joke” connoisseur, he could deliver the perfect pun or one-liner just when it was needed most.
Jim loved the outdoors and treasured camping trips with his family. Though he faced many health challenges over the years, he never let them define him or slow him down. His strength, warmth, and wit remained constants in the lives of those who loved him.
He adored his family above all else—and he made sure they knew it every single day.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl; sons, Ryan (Sarah) Martinson of Plymouth, IA, and Corey (Melissa Klesel) Martinson of Mason City; grandchildren, Waylon and Margot Martinson, and Raelynn, Owen, and Silas Martinson (due in November); sister, Linda Selig; his nephews, Jeff Selig and Jerry Selig; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Besse; mother-in-law, Alma (Cady) Jones; and brother-in-law Malcolm “Max” Selig.
“Heaven called—turns out they needed a maintenance man and a good laugh.”
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