Jim Ceaser, 77, of Altoona and formerly of Grinnell, died on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and under the care of Wesley Life Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. The family will receive friends at the visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be designated to Wesley Life Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jim's family online at www.smithfh.com.

James Owen Ceaser was born the son of Samuel and Eleanor (Main) Ceaser on September 1, 1946 in Grinnell, IA. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1964. He attended Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA.

Jim was united in marriage to Ruth Babb on September 25, 1982 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They resided in Grinnell and owned and operated Ceaser Trucking for 50 years. Following his retirement, Jim and Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, MO and to Texas. Jim's enjoyments were picking on people in good fun, being a jokester, watching NASCAR races, the Gameshow Network, and The Price is Right, playing cards and board games, and most importantly, being together with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth Ceaser of Altoona; children, Tim (Heather) Ceaser of Redfield, IA, Tammie (Melissa) Fenner of Heron Lake, MN, and Jenny (William) Ledvina of Bondurant, IA; step-son, Brent (Melea) Willson of Walker, IA; 29 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Norma Brignon of Grinnell; aunt, Irene Campbell of Grinnell; and his pet, Taz. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Atcher; brothers-in-law, Delbert Atcher and Richard Brignon; and special friend, Alice Hopkins.