James "Jim" Dale Cobbs

James "Jim" Dale Cobbs, 81, of Newton died on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown.  A celebration of his life will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the American Legion in Newton.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name (checks made payable to Margaret Cobbs) may be left at the Legion the day of the celebration or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Jim, the son of William Isaac and Teleen Dorothy (Hughes) Cobbs, was born on July 21, 1944, in Newton. Growing up he lived in Newton and California, graduating from Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California in 1962.  As he was completing school, he also served his country in the U.S. Navy for two years.  In 1967, Jim moved back to Newton.  On February 25, 1978, Jim was united in marriage with Margaret Patterson White combining their two families that included four children, Roni Kristi, Bill, and Lisa, into one. Shortly after, Jim began his 25-year career with the Newton Community Schools where he worked as the Custodial Manager and the Head Custodian at Berg, retiring in 2006.  Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 111, Izaak Walton League, and the Elks Lodge.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, and a good cold beer.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret Cobbs of Newton; children, Roni (River) Light of Canada, Kristi Sharp of Cape Coral, Florida, Bill (Stacy) Cobbs of Newton, and Lisa (Rick) McGee of Grinnell; his grandchildren, Ronan Light, Scout Light, Chris Sharp, AJ (Niki) Sharp, Katie Sharp (Matt Rodrique), Bailey (Austin) Meatyard, Erick (Skylar) Cobbs, Hannah (Kyle) Gerleman, and Jerod Merrick; 10 great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Harold Cobbs of California and Barry (Ellie) Cobbs of Texas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald (Karen) Cobbs and David (Andrea) Cobbs.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his nurses at the Iowa Veteran’s Home and his Unity Point Hospice nurse, Brandy, for the care Jim received.

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