Birth date: Aug 22, 1932 Death date: Mar 9, 2026
James Porter Kalsem, 93, a proud veteran, automobile electrician, and self-taught "Renaissance man," passed away peacefully at his home in Ames on March 9, 2026. Funeral services for James Kalsem will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday Read Obituary
I am so sorry for your family's loss. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
With sympathy,
Paula Johnson
Jim fixed my cars, being in the real estate business my car was important, one afternoon about 20 minutes to 5, I pulled up to Ames Auto Electric and told Jim my starter is bad, he said its quiten time and said how soon do you need it and i said how soon is the phone going to ring, he said run it in. He removed the starter, repaired it and I drove out at 5 PM. 20 minutes. Jim was my friend, he could fix anything and for many years he repaired my cars. an absolute genius. My sympathies to Jims family. It is very difficult to lose wonderful long time friends. I am one year older than Jim
When I married Dennis Bates and became part of this family, Jim and Merlie made me feel psrt of the family. A warm welcome each time we came to visit.
And as the rest have already posted, listening to Jim and Bob Bates talk of their childhood together at the kitchen table.
Jim loved his grandson Porter.
And he loved teaching Porter of all things.
Jim, a self taught genius had a lot to teach. Grandson and name sake Porter has a wide foundation of knowledge to start on his path in life from his grandfather.
I'm so sad of his passing, and knowing I will not have warm hands and gentle his voice to greet when we visit.
Sending all my love to this family.
Thank you Jim for welcoming me into the family.
Cindy Bstes
My fondest memories of Uncle Jim take me back to the kitchen tables of our Iowa farms. When our families gathered at Uncle Jim and Aunt Merlie’s home, I loved sitting and listening as he and my mom shared stories about growing up on the family farm. Stories that always seemed to bring laughter, curiosity, and a sense of where we all came from.
When Uncle Jim visited our farm, he never arrived empty-handed. He would bring a bag of Brach’s candy, which I absolutely loved as a child. But my favorite tradition of all was on my birthdays. Uncle Jim would give me a five-dollar bill, torn in half and tell me I would have to come visit him to get the other half. Without fail, he always had it ready and waiting.
Those small gestures meant the world to me. They were Uncle Jim’s way of making sure family stayed connected, and I will always treasure those memories.
Sending love to my cousins and to all who loved him. Uncle Jim will always hold a special place in my heart.
The eldest of all my Aunts and Uncles, I realize what a rock My Dear Uncle Jim has been in the bonding of our family history and military tradition. I loved to listen to my father, Roger, and him, talk for hours at the kitchen table about their time growing up in rural Kelly, Iowa and their adventures through the years. I can still picture them as young, barefoot boys racing across the schoolyard and swimming in the creek. You won the race, Uncle Jim! Sending hugs and love to my cousins and family.
As a young man I always loved hearing my uncle talk about his military service and how he along with my dad talk about how they wished they would have stayed and retired from their military service. Hearing that. That’s what made me stick with my military service until I retired from the military I tribute this to listening to my Uncle Jim’s advice. Uncle Jim was always good with life’s advice’s.
What a kind & awesome Uncle, will be greatly missed.god bless him &. Family
