James W. Kuhlman

 

James W. Kuhlman, 88, of Mason City, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at Village Cooperative of Mason City surrounded by family. Per Jim’s wishes, he graciously donated his body to Mayo Clinic. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce Street, with Rev. Kip Murphy officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Central Gardens of North Iowa PO Box 735 Clear Lake, IA 50428, First Presbyterian 100 S. Pierce Street Mason City, IA 50401, or the Hospice Support Foundation, 7755 3rd St. N Suite 200., Oakdale, MN 55128.

James Weldon Kuhlman, born February 13, 1937, in Amarillo, Texas, to parents Herman and Alma Marie Kuhlman. He graduated from Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas in 1955. After graduation, Jim went on to receive his BS from West Texas State University in 1959 and in 1961, Jim graduated with his MS from the University of Nebraska. Jim was a member of the Nebraska National Guard from 1961-1967 and served in the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and Fort Sheridan, Ill.

Jim was united in marriage to Ann Davis on December 23, 1967, in Kearney, Neb., and the couple were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer. Jim began his career with the USDA Extension Service on September 10, 1962, in Buffalo County, Neb. Jim later joined the Iowa State University Extension Service on February 15, 1972, as County Extension Director of Worth County, Iowa and on April 1, 1981, he became the Cerro Gordo County Extension Director. Jim retired on May 2, 1997, after 35 years with the USDA Extension Service.

Jim was actively involved in the Noon Rotary Club, serving as President in 2008-2009. He also served as president of the Central Iowa Genealogical Society, National Association of Retired Federal Employees – Chapter 170, North Iowa Figure Skating Club, Sertoma International at Kearney, Neb., Lions International Club in Northwood, Meals on Wheels in Northwood, the Chamber of Commerce in Northwood and Epsilon Sigma Phi retirees. He served as Vice President of the Nebraska State Extension Agricultural Agents Association, Treasurer of Central Gardens of North Iowa for 17 years, River City Trees in Mason City, Nebraska State Extension Association, Iowa OPEDA (USDA retirees) Chapter, and North Iowa Figure Skating Club. Jim served as secretary of the Village Co-op Property Committee, he was a member of the board of directors: Iowa Hereford Breeders Association, National Association of County Agricultural Agents in Iowa and Nebraska, Epsilon Sigma Phi, North Iowa Fair Association for 25 years, Mason City Noon Rotary Club, Chair of the Rotary Service Above Self Committee for 22 successive years, member of the Advisory Board for KIMT-TV, Sertoma Club and Lions Club.

Jim was a past member of 4-H and FFA and National Honor Society of Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas, named member of Alpha Chi Honorary Society at West Texas State University, member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mason City, served as ordained Elder and was a long time Chair of the Personnel Committee at First Presbyterian.

Jim was highly recognized for his efforts, as a Graduate of Distinction from WT A&M University in Agricultural Sciences in 2019, Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2005, Iowa Hereford Hall of Fame in 2009, 4-H  Alumni Award for Worth County and Honorary 4-H Member in Cerro Gordo County, the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County and Agricultural Agents, was an Iowa State Delegate twice in the National County Agents Convention, the R.K. Bliss Extension Citation, received a special medallion as a 50 Year Breeder of Registered Cattle from the American Hereford Association, he served as a National Delegate to the Annual Meeting of the American Hereford Association for two years, in 1966, Jim was the youngest of 31 presidents in the world to receive the Distinguished President Award and thee engraved gold watch from Sertoma International. The Lions International District Presidents Award, Rotary International District 5970 2009 Leadership Excellence Award, named Who’s Who of America, Who’s Who of the World, Who’s Who Distinguished Humanitarian, Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Thirty-five trees were planted for the 23 years of Extension Service at the North Iowa Fairgrounds, the Kuhlman Grove to honor his career of 35 years at his retirement, and the Calvin B. Martin Award from the North Iowa Figure Skating Club. 

Jim was an author to eight books: Holstein Queens -  This is Your Life, History of the Nance Hereford Ranch, The Block Pasture, From Kirchatten (Germany) to Canyon (Texas), Reflections Through a Milk Bottle -  The Nebraska Years, The 100 Year History of Kuhlman Farms, 77 and Going…, Herman Kuhlman – the Legendary Immigrant Pioneer Farmer.

Jim was an author of numerous articles in “The Holstein World” “Hoard’s Dairyman” “The American Hereford World” “Hereford America” “The Journal of Dairy Science” “Panhandle-Plains Historical Review” as well as many newspaper articles in Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa. He was honored to have one of his Hereford pictures on the cover of the American Hereford Journal.

Jim was the guest speaker on March 8, 2008, for the dedication of the 100-year-old C.O. Keiser home in Canyon, Texas, by the Texas State Historical Society. He judged many County Fairs in Nebraska and Iowa and was a well-known announcer at the Iowa State Fair, the North Iowa Fair, and the Clay County Fair.

In his free time, he enjoyed raising registered Hereford and Holstein cattle. He was a Hereford Historian, enjoyed gardening, and having part in developing Central Gardens of North Iowa, genealogy, photography, art and painting. He enjoyed watching Iowa State University basketball and football and University of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

Jim will be forever remembered for his love for his family, his wife, two daughters, and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ann Kuhlman, daughters, Lisa Ann Jenison and Jennifer (Cy) Held; grandchildren, Cody Nathaniel Jenison and Cassidy Ann Jenison; brother, Alvin (Lisa) Kuhlman; nephews, Mike (Donna) Kuhlman, Gary (Debbie) Kuhlman and Dr. Marty Kuhlman; niece, Cindi (Phil) Ortiz; and brother-in-law, Paul Henneman.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alma Kuhlman; brother, Herbert F. (Jeannie) Kuhlman; sister, Juanita Kuhlman; his in-laws, Paul and Mary Henneman, Sr.; nieces, Deborah and Bernice Kuhlman and Monika (Kuhlman) McGibboney; and great nephew, C.M. Kuhlman.

“We volunteer to give back for those that gave to us.” – Jim Kuhlman

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory