July 3, 1938 – March 6, 2026
James W. Pilgrim, 87, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City.
James Walter was born July 3, 1938, in Tracy, Minnesota, the son of Rev. Paulus W. Pilgrim and Elsie (Bartz) Pilgrim.
Jim began his education in Austin, Minnesota, and attended country school for grades two through four in Fulda, Minnesota. He later graduated from Hector High School in Hector, Minnesota. He went on to attend and graduate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and later completed graduate coursework at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Jim began his teaching career as a vocal music instructor at Maynard–Randalia (West Central), Iowa, from 1960 to 1961. In 1962, he joined the Charles City Community Schools, where he taught elementary school until his retirement in 1997. Jim believed deeply in education and was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association.
Alongside his teaching career, Jim enjoyed seasonal work over the years with farmer friends, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and USDA–APHIS–PPQ.
Faith and church life were central to Jim’s life. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City and a founding father of Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City. Through the years he served in many roles, including directing choirs, teaching confirmation and Sunday School classes, singing in church choirs, and ushering.
Jim had a lifelong love of music. While at Wartburg College, he sang and toured with the Wartburg Choir and the Castle Singers throughout the United States and Europe—experiences that remained among his most cherished memories.
He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could. Traveling and spending time with friends and family brought him great joy.
After retiring in 1997, Jim moved to Clear Lake. There he met Nancy Mullan, and the two shared a happy life together for 23 years.
Jim is survived by his beloved partner, Nancy Mullan; his children, Kevin (Frani) Pilgrim of Gravette, Arkansas, Denise (Bob) Steinman of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Noel Pilgrim of Folsom, California; stepchildren, Jason (Amy) Dasch of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and Brenda (Bryon) Frampton of Mason City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four step-grandchildren; his brothers, Paulus (Gladys) Pilgrim, Mark (Brenda) Pilgrim, and Joel (Linda) Pilgrim; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Naomi (Gene) Kind.
He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love of music and faith, and the kindness he shared with students, friends, and family throughout his life.
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