James (Jim) Frederick Slockett, 82, longtime Iowa County Sheriff “48-1” died Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Jim was born in Iowa City, Nov. 16, 1942, the son of Fred and Charlotte (Bidwell) Slockett. Growing up in Wellman, he attended schools there and graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1961 and then went on to run track at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville.
Jim was drafted into the US Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1966-1970 where he was First Lieutenant, platoon leader and reserve Captain earning numerous military awards and recognition that included the Silver Star, multiple Bronze Stars including the Bronze Star with valor, the Purple Heart and the Army commendation medal for heroism and meritorious achievement in ground combat.
After his honorable discharge from the US Army, Jim continued his years of service where he owned and operated Slockett’s Skelly gas station in Marengo, was hired as a reserve police officer for the Marengo Police Dept, was appointed Iowa County Civil Defense Director, and then was elected Iowa County Sheriff in 1979 where he served for 24 years from 1980-2004. While with the department he and his staff were instrumental in the implementation of the county’s first 9-1-1 emergency system as well as securing the funds and passing of the new Iowa County law enforcement center and much more.
Jim and former spouse, Joanne, had two children together-Missy and Luke. He was a proud, humble, and stoic Dad and could often be seen in his sheriff uniform standing by the exit of the gym, field or track for a quick check of the score.
Jim and partner Mary D Miller lived and made their home in Marengo. A lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan Jim also loved to fish the Iowa River and the Lac Seul Reservoir in Ontario, Canada, golf and play cards with his old cronies on “holy Tuesday,” proudly watch his kids and then grandkids sporting events, serve in retirement as Honor Guard with the American Legion and he also enjoyed making batches of homemade tomato juice to compliment a cold beer.
Jim is survived by his loving family: his partner: Mary D Miller; his children: Missy (Jeff) Disterhoft and Luke (Shannon) Slockett; brother: Tom Slockett; and sister: Terry Freese; four grandkids: Ally and Nate Disterhoft, Brynlee and Bryar Slockett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law: John Freese; and many friends.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the American Legion in Marengo. There will be military honors and a sheriff recognition will be bestowed followed by a short message and prayer starting at 4 p.m.
Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Jim and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Jim’s memory to the American Legion Post #76 and that a drink be shared with good friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Essence of Life Hospice for their compassionate care given to Jim.
