Jim Seye

James “Jim” Seye, 69, of New London, Iowa, and formerly of Victor, passed away at his home of natural causes on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his family, extended family, and many friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery in Victor. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor.

A rosary will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor. Jim’s family will receive friends at a visitation held from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday at the Smith Funeral Home.

Memorials may be designated to the Alzheimer’s Association and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jim’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Jim was a hardworking and dedicated man throughout his life. He retired following a 46-year career that included 38 years with Pioneer Hi-Bred and 8 years with Burlington River Terminal. His work involved many areas of agriculture and industry, including planting, detasseling, harvesting, millwright work, construction, and purchasing parts and equipment for plants throughout the United States and overseas.

His career also gave Jim the opportunity to travel extensively. He spent six months living and working in Argentina, where he helped raise and harvest a seed crop to replace seed that had been lost to drought in the United States. During his time there, he was able to experience places such as Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, and Miramar. At Burlington River Terminal, Jim worked with bulk fertilizer, salt, liquid fertilizer, and coal.

Jim believed strongly in serving others and supporting his community. He served as a Marengo firefighter for 10 years and was involved with Iowa County Ducks Unlimited for 15 years, including eight years supporting its Greenwing youth program. He was also a dedicated supporter of veterans and events honoring the men and women who served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. This was especially meaningful to Jim because his father served during the Korean War.

One of Jim’s most treasured experiences was accompanying his father and uncle as their guardian on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Together, they visited the memorials dedicated to our nation’s veterans and saw the Pentagon, including the area damaged during the September 11 attacks. Jim also volunteered for two years with events supporting wounded veterans.

Away from work and volunteering, Jim enjoyed target shooting, fishing, collecting wildlife prints, traveling, and following Iowa Valley Tigers sporting events. More than anything, however, Jim treasured being with his family. He spent extended periods of time each month, as well as holidays, at Sandy’s home with his dad, Kaitlyn, and Eric. He especially enjoyed “tormenting” his great-nephew James and great-niece Finnley by pulling pranks, telling stories, and finding just the right opportunity to give them a scare. He spent numerous years fishing on Eagle Lake and staying at Sportsman’s Lodge in Vermillion Bay, Ontario, Canada with his dad and brother, Joe.

Jim was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed traveling out of state to spend time with Sue’s family and especially enjoyed attending her children’s weddings. His sense of humor, storytelling, and playful nature made family gatherings memorable, while his generosity and caring spirit made him someone others could always count on.

Jim is survived by his father, Robert Seye of Ladora; his siblings, Joe (Joannie) Seye of Marengo, Steve Seye of Ladora, Sue (John) Putna of Tennessee, Sandy Seye (Bill Chaney) of Ladora, and Joan (Ernie) Pyle of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is also remembered by his wonderful neighbors, the Meineke family of Marengo; and special friends who became family, Tiffany, Jacob, Evan, Owen, and Karter Schlesselman of Marengo, and Bill Chaney. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Seye, in 2022; his nephew, Landon; and his great-nephew, Grayson.