James Louis DeBlauw

James Louis DeBlauw, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his three children.

Jim was born on October 25, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was left on the doorsteps of St. Joseph's Hospital as a newborn baby, shortly afterward brought to St. James Orphanage in Omaha, Nebraska, and thirteen months later was joyfully adopted by Louis and Catheryn DeBlauw. He grew up on his family’s farm near Crofton, Nebraska, where faith, hard work, and family became the foundation of his life.

Jim was baptized, received his First Holy Communion, confirmed, and served faithfully as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Constance, Nebraska. His Catholic faith guided him from an early age—shaping his values, his sense of service, and his deep love for others. He attended grade school in Constance, with his final four years under the direction of the Benedictine Sisters, who further instilled in him a lifelong devotion to faith and education.

After completing eighth grade, Jim entered the Pontifical College Josephinum Seminary near Columbus, Ohio, where he studied for the priesthood during his freshman and sophomore years of high school. Though he ultimately discerned a different path, his time there profoundly influenced his character, forming the spiritual foundation that would sustain him throughout his life. He completed his final two years at Crofton Public School, graduating in 1962.

Jim went on to attend Norfolk Junior College and Wayne State College, earning his degree in Education in 1966. That same year, he began a fulfilling teaching career in Mapleton, Iowa. On June 3, 1967, he married the love of his life, Dixie Unger of Norfolk, Nebraska. Together, they built a home centered on faith, love, and laughter—a home that welcomed friends, family, students, and teammates alike.

Jim and Dixie made their life in Mapleton for twenty-four years, where Jim taught English and Speech and coached numerous sports, including football, baseball, volleyball, and golf. Baseball was his first and greatest coaching love, a passion he shared for twenty-six years. His leadership and dedication earned him induction into the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame—an honor that reflected not only his skill but the countless lives he touched through mentorship and sportsmanship. Another rewarding experience was teaching and coaching his own kids as well as his sons-in-law.

Beyond the classroom and the ballfield, Jim was a man of deep faith and quiet strength. One of his proudest accomplishments at Maple Valley was starting and growing a successful Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. He enjoyed helping young people grow not only as athletes but as people of faith and integrity.

Jim’s commitment to his faith extended beyond teaching and coaching. He was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church, where he served faithfully for many years—assisting at Mass, supporting parish ministries, and bringing comfort to those in need through prayer and service. His ministry reflected the same compassion, humility, and devotion that defined every part of his life.

After earning his School Administration degree from Drake University, Jim served as an elementary principal in Schuyler, Nebraska, for twenty years. His calm presence, steady leadership, and genuine care for every student left a lasting mark on the community.

When Jim and Dixie retired to Harlan, Iowa, in 2010, they found immense joy in spending time with their grandchildren. Jim filled his days tending his immaculate garden—his pride and joy—where every flowerbed and row of vegetables reflected his care and patience. He also loved to sit quietly in his backyard, watching the birds that visited his feeders, finding peace and beauty in their simple presence. He was a lifelong fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, rarely missing a game and cheering them on with unwavering loyalty through every season.

Jim’s faith continued to be the cornerstone of his life. He lived each day with humility, gratitude, and kindness—always guided by the quiet belief that faith and family are life’s greatest blessings. He passed this legacy on to his children and grandchildren, who will carry forward his example of devotion, love, and faithfulness.

Jim and Dixie shared 58 years of marriage before her passing in July 2025. He is survived by their three children: Lori (Travis) Castle, Jenny (Jeff) Moser, and Tom (Cassie) DeBlauw; grandchildren: Ty (Cori) Castle, Trey Castle, Tori Castle, Jordyn (Kyle) Juhl, Jared Moser, Joey Moser, Noah DeBlauw, and Emily DeBlauw; and great-grandchildren Scottie Lynn Castle and Campbell Jaymes Juhl.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arlyn DeBlauw, brothers-in-law Jerry Bauermeister and LeRoy Unger, sister-in-law Marie DeBlauw, and nephew Adam Unger.

Jim’s life was a reflection of faith, family, and service—a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.