James "Jim" Martel Strand

James “Jim” Strand, 77, of Chatfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Campus.

James Martel Strand was born October 23, 1944 in Canton, SD, to Arthur and Muriel (Strand) Strand. In 1946 the family moved to Forest City, IA. He attended school there through 10th grade and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, IA. He completed his Junior and Seniors years at Augustana Academy in Canton, SD, graduating in 1962. He began his Bachelor’s in Education at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA and completed his degree at Luther College in Decorah, IA. He taught 6th grade in St. Peter, MN before joining the Air Force and was posted in Anchorage, AK. After serving 2 years he moved to Chatfield in December of 1969, where he created the remedial math and reading programs for Chatfield Public Schools. He switched to 3rd grade for several years, before going back to school at RCTC for accounting. He met his wife, Carol, at coffee after church and they married on June 16, 1984. He won an accounting competition in Corpus Christi, TX and was in business in Chatfield for over 30 years. Jim also served on the Chatfield Care Center board for 18 years, along with the Chatfield Cemetery Association and Chatfield American Legion. When not busy working Jim loved gardening, singing, putting together puzzles (the harder the better!), and helping his daughters out on any home improvement projects.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Carol; 2 daughters, Emma and Carrie both of Chatfield. He is also survived by his sister Corrine (David) Mix of Chisago City, MN, brother Howard Strand of Milltown, WI, and brother-in-law John (Eileen) Loughrey of Tucson, AZ. Nieces and nephews: Heidi Wallace, Sarah (Chris) Weber, Amy Johns, and Judd, Ian, Ben, Kasharra, Collin, Katie, Arus, Mathew, Hannah, and Angel Loughrey. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Allen Strand, brother-in-law David Mix, mother-in-law Blanche Loughrey, and niece Yasmira Loughrey.

Memorial service for Jim will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Chatfield.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday and one hour prior to the service, all at the church.  Burial be will at the Chatfield Cemetery with Military Honors by Chatfield American Legion and VFW Post #6913.

Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com