James J. Mueller, 81, of Epworth, Iowa, died Friday, November 11, 2016 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

A Private memorial service will be held for James at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.

He was born December 29, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John J. and Helen (Broessel) Mueller. He is a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa. On April 28, 1979 he was united in marriage to Carol Jean Dean in Epworth, Iowa. The couple farmed in the rural Epworth area, and also worked at Farm Services for 20 years until his retirement. He also hauled crème for the Epworth creamery and coal and lumber for the former Epworth Lumber Yard.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol Mueller of Epworth, IA; one sister, Janet (Wally) Robinson of Waterloo, IA; and two nieces, Heidi (Chris) Bowser of Waterloo, IA and their children, George, Isabella and Kristen Bowser and Mindy (Brandon) Niedert of Evansdale, IA and their children, Blake, Chloe and Gracelyn, a good friend, Bill Spiegel of Epworth, IA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron (Char) Dean of AR, George (Linda) Dean of MT, and Gloria (Bob) Kemp of Mediapolis, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com