James Waterhouse

James Waterhouse

1942-2021

Following a normal 10 hour day with his tiling and bulldozer business, 79 year old James Lee Waterhouse passed away unexpectedly at his home of an apparent heart attack on Nov. 26, 2021.  An avid outdoorsman and soil conservationist, Jim had a passion for his life’s work, James Waterhouse Construction, which he and his wife, Berna, owned and operated for more than 58 years.  He was very proud that his son, Jamey and grandson, Justin Hultman, shared his love of nature and conservation work.

Jim was born June 25, 1942 to Robert A. and Olletha (Zickefoose) Waterhouse in Washington County, Iowa. He attended Dutch Creek Center Country School and graduated from West Chester High School in 1960.  Jim was united in marriage to Berna Ann Hahn on Oct. 25, 1963 in Iowa City.  They lived in the Dublin area on their family farm their entire married life.  In addition to his construction business, Jim was a farmer, beekeeper, cattle producer, adopted wild mustangs and more recently raised mules.  He served for seven years in the 872nd Light Maintenance Division of the Army Reserves.

Jim enjoyed hunting, especially with grandsons, riding mules, working with bees and extracting honey, waterskiing and developing ponds and wetland projects.

He entertained many family gatherings with tales of mischief he enjoyed pranking others.  A former teacher always reminded him of the time he tied a rope around the out house door while she was inside.

He is survived by his wife, Berna, daughters: Lynnette Hultman and husband Larry, Jan Waterhouse and husband Dave Burbidge and son James M. (Jamey) Waterhouse and wife Traci.  Also surviving are his grandchildren:  Alyssa (Jake) Slings, Justin (Allie) Hultman, Joshua Burbidge, Eva Burbidge, Ryan Burbidge, Austin, Tyler, Caleb and Tanner Waterhouse, two great-grandchildren, Jax Lee Hultman and Willa Madeline Slings, sister, Joy (Keith) Bothell and sister-in-law, Connie Waterhouse.

Preceding him in death were his son Jon in 2006, parents, brothers, David and Robert Waterhouse Jr., nephews Jason Waterhouse, Eric Waterhouse, Nickolas Peck and brother-in-law Denny Miller.

Celebration of LIfe Service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota.  Burial was at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military rites.  Visitation was held Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota.  A general memorial has been established.  Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.