James Conrad Ristau, 85, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.
James Conrad Ristau was born on August 23, 1940, to Clarence and Bernice (Hockenson) Ristau at the family home in Thornton, Iowa. Growing up with two sisters in a close family home, James loved Sundays which meant church, home-cooked meals, and lively baseball games with uncles and cousins. These gatherings became treasured traditions, instilling in James a lifelong love for family and the joy of coming together for good conversation.
James spent his early years in Iowa before his family moved to California eventually returning and settling in Rockford, Iowa. He proudly served his country in the Army, stationed in Korea following the war, and later returned home to serve three more years in the National Guard.
On June 10, 1964, James was united in marriage with Barbara (Hungerford). James was proud of his “Barbie” and together they celebrated 61 years of marriage this year.
James valued education attending North Iowa Community College before earning his Business degree at Wartburg College. He continued his studies at Hawkeye Community College which led to a supervisor position at John Deere.
While living in Mason City, Iowa, James and Barbara were blessed with their son, Keith. In 1968, the family moved to Hampton, Iowa, to follow Barbara’s teaching career. Their second son, Marc, was born here. And James became an avid golfer. Unfortunately, his love of the game was short-lived due to a shoulder-injury, but he loved to talk about the game.
Always dressed impeccably, James spent years as a salesman, but it was his career shift into Winnebago delivery which unveiled his love for the road. James went on to visit all 50 states and eventually joined Schneider, a national trucking company. For over 20 years, James built friendships on the highways and was proud to be a respected truck driver, being awarded the ‘Million-Mile Safe Driver Award.’ This was a testament to his dedication and skill behind the wheel.
If James wasn’t on the road for work, he was charting new routes around the globe. James was known for his love of travel. He delighted in sharing stories from his adventures in China, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Norway, and that was the short list! His favorite trip was to Russia although get him talking and he was quick to advise, ‘You better get traveling because life goes by too fast to stay in one place!’
James was a true patron of the arts, dedicating years as a season ticket holder and never missing a chance to see a new play as it toured across the U.S. If The Nutcracker was shown, you could always count on James to be in the audience. His passion for theater was matched only by his love of good meals. James took great joy in discovering standout restaurants, and if the food wasn’t local, he was even happier to drive hours for a memorable meal. But what truly made him happiest was when he could share his passions with his family and convince them all to pile in the car for a long drive, ready to share a delicious meal, or a fantastic show, and then enjoy the conversation on the road together.
James was a true believer and will be lovingly remembered for his deep faith in God. Those who pause to remember him can picture him now, wearing his trucker hat, surrounded by every relative he could gather, ready to embark on his greatest adventure of all!
James is survived by his wife, Barbara, his two sons, Keith in Mesquite, Texas, Marc and Stephanie in Ankeny, Iowa. His grandchildren, Dylan, Makinzie, and Brynlee. His sisters, Nick and Rita (Ristau), Zahariades and Jim and Diane (Ristau) Read. His nieces and nephew, Ernie and Sheri (Read) Hickey, Jeff and Heather (Read) Faulkner, Derek Read, Jeff and Didi (Zahariades) Miller and several cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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