James P. Vaudt – age 72, of Laurens, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Pearl Valley Care Center in Primghar, Iowa.

James Paul Vaudt was born on February 6, 1947, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was the son of Elmer and Madge (Nolte) Vaudt. He graduated from Cedar Valley High School in 1965. He then served in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne from 1969 – 1970, during the Vietnam War. On March 5, 1976, James was united in marriage to Karen Cook in Harlingen, Texas. The couple lived in Rockwell City for several years where Jim farmed. They then moved to Colorado, where Jim worked as a salesman in the heating and cooling systems business. In 1988, Jim and Karen settled in Laurens where Jim worked as a machinist at several area manufacturing plants. He retired in of 2010. Karen passed away in 2017.

Jim enjoyed talking with people, tinkering with projects in his garage and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Robert (Jody) Brockman, David Brockman, Jamie Brazel and Kelly (Justin) Reese all of Laurens; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother, Tim Vaudt of Farnhamville, IA and sister, Ann (Roger) Shroyer of San Venito, TX.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; step-son, Logan and brother, Gary Vaudt.