James Wadell , son of Forest and Alice (Ford) Fender , was born August 17, 1939, at the home farm near Carson, Iowa. He graduated from Macedonia High School and went on to take trade school classes. Jim also taught himself through the years how to fix just about anything.

On June 21, 1959, Jim was united in marriage with Sharon Jo Boruff and their union was blessed with four children: Scott, Shellie, Lori and Sonya. The family lived in Carson, Macedonia, Oakland and Carroll through the years. Jim held many jobs, however working as a mechanic was both his vocation and his hobby. Later in life Jim and Sharon enjoyed winters in Texas and summers by Little Sioux Lake. Jim's quiet nature could not hide his deep integrity and belief in hard work – qualities he passed on to his family. He always put everyone else ahead of himself.

Jim battled COPD for decades with a sense of humor and a constant smile. He and Sharon moved to Manilla in 2016 to be near family. With his wife and family's care he enjoyed a wonderful quality of life. James died at home in Manilla on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at the age of 79 years, 11 months and 7 days.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Miko Butler; and three brothers and their wives: Stanley and Mabyn, Edwin "Eddie" and Marilyn and Darell and Diana.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Sharon Fender of Manilla; children: Scott (Debbie) Fender of Manilla; Shellie Butler (the late Miko) of Carroll; Lori Smith (special friend Mark Turner) of Oakland; Sonya (Jason) Gardner of Oakland; 12 grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Jim's funeral service will be on Monday, July 29, 2019, at 2:00 PM at the Wheeler Grove Church east of Carson.  Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to the funeral.  Interment will be in the Wheeler Grove Cemetery.  Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of local arrangements.