James W. Brehm, lovingly known as Jim, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.  Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories of a life lived with purpose, generosity, and heart. Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend to many. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jim was born on August 29, 1939, to William and Glennabelle (Fish) Brehm and grew up on the family farm in Hinton, Iowa. Jim graduated from Leeds High in 1958 and enlisted in the Air National Guard.  Jim went on to graduate from Morningside College in Sioux City and got a job with Iowa Public Service (IPS) in 1962. In addition to working for IPS, Jim used his "spare time" to manage the family farm.

In 1995, Jim retired from MidAmerican Energy after a 33-year career, but retirement never quite stuck. In the years that followed, he opened and closed his landscaping business more than once, always drawn back to the work he loved. A gentleman farmer at heart, Jim cared deeply for his trees, his family, and his extended community.

He didn't live a quiet life. He spent endless hours at the Siouxland Center for Active Generations and Jim highly believed in being involved and giving back. He served on library boards, fair boards, supported 4-H, sponsored dances, was an AA sponsor, and was a steadfast presence in countless community efforts no matter where he lived. He gave endlessly to those around him—his time, his energy, and his unwavering support. There was never a person he wouldn't help.

He is survived by his sons, Bill Brehm and James Brehm, both of San Antonio, TX; his grandsons, Alex Brehm of Charlotte, NC, and Luke Brehm of San Antonio; and his granddaughter, Erin Brehm, also of San Antonio. He is also remembered by countless "adopted" children and grandchildren whose lives he enriched with love, guidance, and humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to carry forward Jim's spirit by supporting your local community, lending a hand, or simply being there for someone in need—just as he always was.