James Brian Rasmussen, 51, of Hazleton passed away on Friday October 20, 2017 at his home.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Tuesday October 24, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with Rev. Connie Markle officiating.  Interment will be in Long Grove Cemetery at Maynard.  A memorial fund has been established.

Jim was born on September 4, 1966 in Independence to parents Larry and Virginia (Castelman) Rasmussen.  He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1985.  He then served his country honorably in the United States Army.  On September 18, 1993 Jim was united in marriage with Christine Forsyth at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein.  He had been employed with John Deere.

Jim was a huge Demolition Derby fan.  He constructed and drove many derby cars over the years.  Many times his cars had a distinctive theme to the body.  He loved dirt track racing and was a fan of NASCAR.  For 30 years Jim enjoyed being a softball Umpire for the Independence and Oelwein area school districts.  Jim also loved Christmas.  This included playing Santa, along with his wife Chris as Mrs. Santa, for his nieces and nephews.  Jim went so far as to wrap all of his family’s gifts for them.  Jim always wanted to help others in their times of need.  He will be greatly missed by his family and all he knew.

Left to celebrate Jim’s life is his wife Chris; his father Larry (Diane White) Rasmussen of Independence; his mother Virginia (Bill) Peyton of Independence; his grandmother Dolores Sayers of Des Moines; his brothers-in-law: Dan (Kathy) Forsyth of Oelwein and Jeff (Lisa) Forsyth of Fayette; his sister-in-law Rhonda (Chris) Kappmeyer of Maynard; his aunts: Karen (Rick) Sherrets of Independence and Diane Curry of Independence; his nephews: Shane Kappmeyer, Devin Kappmeyer, Austin Forsyth and Brady Forsyth; his nieces: Kira Roberts, April Forsyth, Katelyn Forsyth, Kayla Taylor and Chelsea Forsyth; many cousins; and his beloved cat Taz.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandfather; his mother-in-law Glenda Forsyth and his father-in-law Raymond Forsyth.