White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Waterloo – Richard James “Jim” Babcock, 86 years old, of St. Pete Beach, FL, formerly of Waterloo, IA, died Thursday, September 27, 2018, in Cedar Falls, IA from congestive heart failure.

He was born August 23, 1932, in Waverly, Iowa, to Dick Orlando and Mary Agnes (Harrington) Babcock.  He married Naomi LaVerne Thompson on February 3, 1956. They raised their 2 children in Cedar Falls, IA and eventually moved to Waterloo, IA.

He was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp, as a helicopter pilot and mechanic during the Korean War.  He worked at Viking Pump and John Deere where he retired in 1992. They loved to vacation in Florida and purchased their first condo there in 1987.  They moved there permanently in 1994 after they both retired.  He was an avid golf player and enjoyed going on cruises. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks, and the Amvets. He won a pretty baby award.

Survived by: a daughter, Sandra “Sandi” Jakel (Russell Frisch) of Raymond, IA; granddaughter Melissa “Missie” Jakel of Cedar Falls, IA; 2 brothers Robert of Cedar Falls, IA; Michael (Christine) of Houston, TX, a sister Coleen Ackerman of Shellrock, IA and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: his parents, his wife on May 6, 2018 and a son, Randall J Babcock 2011.

Memorials can be directed to the family at 3305 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

A Celebration of Life for Jim and his wife, Naomi, will be held at the Cedar Falls Amvets Post 49 on Sunday, October 7, 2018 from 1pm – 4pm with Military Honors at 2 p.m.