Jim Ver Steegh, 88 of New Sharon passed away peacefully Saturday evening, June 10, 2017 at the Northern Mahaska Specialty Care in Oskaloosa. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Friday, June 16, 2017 at the New Sharon United Methodist Church. Burial will be held in the Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Thursday, June 15, 2017 with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Iowa Fair or the North Mahaska Athletic Department.

Norman James Ver Steegh, the son of Harrison and Margaret (Stephens) Ver Steegh, was born on March 20, 1929 in New Sharon, Iowa. He graduated from New Sharon High School in 1946. On September 20, 1946, Jim was united in marriage to Helen Van Cleave. To this union four children were born, Steven, Benjamin, Christopher and Penny. Jim's passion was farming. He raised Angus Cattle and farmed his entire life in the New Sharon area. He was a 3rd generation farmer and had the opportunity to farm with his son, Chris. Jim also surveyed for Ag Statistics, custom bailed and did several other summer jobs throughout his life. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, square dancing and taking trips to Branson, MO. He began camping at the Iowa State Fair with his parents in 1934 and continued to camp for the next 83 year never missing a year. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim was a big supporter of North Mahaska girl athletics and didn't miss a softball game or basketball game for several years home or away. Jim was on the Southern Iowa Fair Board for 24 years serving as vice president, he was a member of the New Sharon United Methodist Church and the American Angus Association.

His memory will be honored by his children, Christopher (Phyllis) Ver Steegh of New Sharon and Penny (Lynn) Herchberger of New Sharon; 5 grandchildren, Paul (Suzette) Ver Steegh, Jackie (Mark) Osam, Jeri (Aaron) Hickle, Jess (Bobby) Jones and Jamie (Ben) Schelker; nine great grandchildren, Marisa, Sylas, Molly, Harrison, Peyton, Penelope, Elliot, Isaiah and Hannah; his sister Lavoe DeJong of New Sharon and many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; an infant son, Benjamin Ver Steegh and a son Steven Ver Steegh and a grandson, Jeffrey Ver Steegh.