James Wagenknecht, age 78, of Kimberling City, Missouri, formerly of Cotter, Iowa, died Saturday, February 8, 2014 at his residence in Kimberling City.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, Iowa with Fr. Troy Richmond officiating. Visitation will begin noon Tuesday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:30 Tuesday evening. Masonic Lodge services will be held 5:30 p.m. and a Prayer service will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Oregon Township Cemetery in Ainsworth, Iowa. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Jim's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Jim was born December 12, 1935 in Washington, Iowa the son of Herman Fredrick and Anna Marie (Jenkens) Wagenknecht. He graduated from Ainsworth High School On October 30, 1954, he was united in marriage to Donna Lee Carey in Ainsworth, Iowa. She preceded him in death in 1996. He was united in marriage to Mary Lois Kramer Allen on April 16, 1999 in Waterloo, Iowa.

Jim farmed for 52 years retiring in 2007. He lived most of his life in Cotter, Iowa, before moving to Kimberling City, Missouri in 2008.

He was a 52 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Master of the Orient 365. He had belonged to the Ainsworth Methodist Church, the Cotter Presbyterian Church, St. James Catholic Church and was most recently a member of Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church in Kimberling City. He became a Catholic on Holy Saturday 2008.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lois Wagenknecht of Kimberling City, MO., daughter, Roberta Kay Wagenknecht of St. Charles, MO., daughter, Rebecca Sue Patten of Evansdale, Iowa; daughter, Patty Marie Johnson and husband Allen of Moore, Oklahoma; son James K. Wagenknecht and wife Marsha of Washington, Iowa; son Nathan D. Wagenknecht and wife Tina of Jesup, Iowa; step son, Andrew S. Allen of Champaign, Illinois; 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; brother, John Wagenknecht and wife Joan of Cedar Hill, MO.; brother, Joe Wagenknecht and wife Sharon of Newton, Iowa; brother, Tom Wagenknecht of Tiffin, Iowa; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife – Donna, grandson, Eric Wagenknecht; step son Jeffry S. Allen and Step daughter, Amy Ann Allen.