Jim was born September 6, 1929, Moville, Iowa, the son of Howard & Ila (Sherwood) Bleil.  He grew up in Moville graduating from Moville High School in 1948.  On June 26, 1949 Jim was united in marriage to Donna Hansen, after their marriage they made their home in Moville, IA, where they raised their family.

    Jim was a long-time business man in the Moville/Kingsley area.  He farmed for many years, co-owned Davy’s and Jim’s Feed Store and for several years the Bleil & Chapman Sale Barn.  He was on the Woodbury County Fair board for many years and was honored as a long-time member.  He was a founding member of the Tri State Ropers Club and participated in many rodeos.  Jim was very supportive of his children and grandchildren in sports & other activities they were involved with.  He was very fond of spending time with his family and friends, and he always enjoyed playing cards.

      He is survived by his five children, Jimmy Bleil, Jody (Charlie) Grimes, Jan (Ron) Amick, Jeff (Patti) Bleil and Jay (Jacque) Bleil, 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.  Jim is also survived by one brother, Don (Bev) Bleil and one sister, Darlene Davis, and sister-in-law, Evie Bleil as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Donna, daughter-in-law, Sally Bleil, sister, Dorothy Petersen, brother, Robert “Bob” Bleil, and brothers-in-law, Robert "Davy" Davis and Norm Petersen, and a sister-in-law, Mary Bleil.