James Edward Printy, 80, died November 2, 2026, at the Montrose Health Center.
James was born on January 27th, 1946, to Roy and Emma (Schevers) Printy. He was the youngest of 7 siblings that grew up on a generational farm in rural Keokuk. Jim spent his early years helping his dad run the family dairy operation. He shared many adventurous stories of milking cows, riding horses, teasing his sisters and watching classic westerns.
James married Bonnie Hermansfeld on August 19th, 1967. They continued married life on the farm and raised 3 girls who also enjoyed childhoods filled with country-life adventures. In the years that followed, eight grandchildren would receive their first tractor ride from Grandpa and get a chance to bottle-feed a baby cow.
Jim worked as a welder and machinist at Alliance Patterns and Kerr Fabricators and eventually retired from Headco Machine. He had a strong handshake and could build anything with his hands. However, he would say his favorite job was being a farmer. Jim was passionate about raising animals and baling hay on a hot summer day. In fact, he continued farming well after his retirement. He often referred to his lifelong home as “God’s Country.”
Jim is survived by his wife Bonnie Printy of Montrose, IA; daughters Michele (Jeff) Hasselbusch of Keokuk, Lara (James) Serbousek of Ely, and Denise (Matt) Eaton of Keokuk; grandchildren Marissa (Zach) Pentico of Oklahoma City, OK, Lauren (Michael) Simpson of Des Moines, Sydney (Joseph) Bwalya of Cedar Rapids, Kamren Serbousek and Rosalee Serbousek of Ely, Lantz Eaton, Jensen Eaton and Taylor Eaton of Keokuk; great-granddaughter Leona Pentico; brother Dave Printy; sisters Kathy O’Hara and Jean Lemon and many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Lowell “Bud” Storms, sister Palma West, brothers Thomas Printy and Donald Printy and several in-laws.
A celebration of life event will be held for friends and family on November 28th, 2026, from noon to 3 pm at the Elks Lodge in Keokuk.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lee County Hospice and Montrose Health Center Activities Department.
Memories and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
