James Mathisen

James Milo Mathisen was born in Atlantic, Iowa, March 16, 1948, to Genevieve (Rotherham) and James (Mike) Mathisen and passed away January 6, 2012, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, at the age of 63.

The eldest of five children, he grew up with his brothers and sisters in Atlantic. After graduating high school in 1966, Jim served in the 101st Airborne division in Vietnam. During his time overseas he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star (among other recognitions).

After serving his country in the war, Jim attended flight school. For several years following, he continued to fly small aircraft and was a commercial rated multiple engine flight instructor. Along with Jim's devotion to airplanes, he had a lifelong love for automobiles (most notably, British cars), and spent the greatest part of his career operating his own car repair business.

In 1986 Jim married Amy (Krall) in Hawaii. They lived together in Honolulu for two years before returning to Atlantic, where they had their two daughters, Emma and Erin.

Those who knew Jim will remember him not only for his deep knowledge in a broad variety of subjects, but also for the stories he told. Jim's intelligence was self-motivated and almost entirely self-taught. Among his greatest interests were history, science, mechanics, guns, and anything involving automobiles, planes and locomotives. He had knowledge in cooking, astronomy, science fiction literature, politics, and American history as well.

Many of these interests influenced and passed on to Jim's family and friends. He was most proud to have been able to teach his wife and two daughters how to shoot. A lifetime member of the NRA, the hobby Jim loved most was shooting with his family and his good friend Gary.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Genevieve and father James.

He is survived by his wife, Amy of Atlantic; daughters, Emma Mathisen of Maryville Missouri, and Erin Mathisen of Vermillion, South Dakota; brothers, Terry (Jane) Mathisen of Atlantic and Jon Mathisen of Carroll; sisters, Cindy Booton of Griswold and Denise (Paul) McDaniel of Atlantic; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012, with the funeral service starting at 2:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery in the Field of Glory.