James Buwalda
July 5, 1973 — March 1, 2017
James N. Buwalda, 43, of Harlan, Iowa, died March 1, 2017. He was born in Grangeville, Idaho, on July 5, 1973, and was educated in the elementary schools of German Valley, Illinois and New Holland, South Dakota. He graduated from Dakota Christian High School in New Holland in 1991, and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business from Dordt College in 1995. James found his lifetime career with Pizza Ranch as owner/operator of stores in Akron, Harlan and Denison, Iowa for a total of 20 years. James was married to Teri Jacobsen from 2005 to 2013.
At a very young age, James was moved with compassion to help individuals with special needs. He went on to exhibit that in his professional life, receiving the Small business Award from the Governor of Iowa for his commitment to employing individuals with special needs. James had many interests including his love for animals and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was proud to be a certified scuba diver and enjoyed being associated with the Pizza Ranch racing team, and most recently the local Habitat for Humanity board. James, known for his strong work ethic, was always interested in the lives of his employees, was an encourager to many, and proudly loved his four nephews.
Grateful for sharing his life are his parents, Rev. Jerry and Sharon Buwalda of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother Joel Buwalda and his wife Rev. Laurel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their two sons, Lane Buwalda of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mason Buwalda of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and sister Dr. Joy and her husband Jerry Steenhoek, and their sons Tyler and Ethan of Hawarden, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Concerned, Inc.- an agency whose mission is to help empower people with special needs to achieve their highest level of independence. Donations in memory of James can be mailed to 1812 Industrial Pkwy, Harlan, Iowa 51537.
At a very young age, James was moved with compassion to help individuals with special needs. He went on to exhibit that in his professional life, receiving the Small business Award from the Governor of Iowa for his commitment to employing individuals with special needs. James had many interests including his love for animals and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was proud to be a certified scuba diver and enjoyed being associated with the Pizza Ranch racing team, and most recently the local Habitat for Humanity board. James, known for his strong work ethic, was always interested in the lives of his employees, was an encourager to many, and proudly loved his four nephews.
Grateful for sharing his life are his parents, Rev. Jerry and Sharon Buwalda of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother Joel Buwalda and his wife Rev. Laurel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their two sons, Lane Buwalda of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mason Buwalda of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and sister Dr. Joy and her husband Jerry Steenhoek, and their sons Tyler and Ethan of Hawarden, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Concerned, Inc.- an agency whose mission is to help empower people with special needs to achieve their highest level of independence. Donations in memory of James can be mailed to 1812 Industrial Pkwy, Harlan, Iowa 51537.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Buwalda, please visit our flower store.