James Roland

Jim was born on September 4, 1942, to Lloyd and Vera Roland at Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls. Raised on a farm west of Alden, Jim attended country school and graduated from Alden High School. After high school, Jim and his best friend Donny Thompson enlisted in the Navy and were stationed in San Diego. There he served as an aircraft mechanic before returning to Iowa to attend Iowa State.

Shortly thereafter, Jim Roland and Don Thompson met Marsha Arnold and her best friend, Linda Chicken. Both sets of best friends dated and married. Jim married Marsha Arnold on August 8, 1965, at Stanhope Methodist Church. They established their home on a farmstead north of Jim’s parents’ farm in Alden, where they raised three wonderful children: Leslie Roland of Overland Park, Kansas, Steve Roland (Shannon) of Bakersfield, California, and Todd Roland (Jodi) of Omaha, Nebraska. Jim was also cherished grandpa to Brock, Tessa, Steven, Tommy, Reagan and Addison.

Jim farmed with his dad Lloyd, raised livestock, and started selling Pioneer Seed Corn in 1970. Jim was a respected Pioneer Seed Corn dealer and valued his relationships with customers. Jim’s dedication and generosity to the community included extensive work with the redevelopment of the Alden Park and Boat Club, serving as a trustee for the Alden Cemetery, and being a lifelong member of the Alden Methodist Church. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, once returning from a fishing trip with the nickname Jim Bob.

Upon retiring, Jim and Marsha enjoyed traveling to Rockport, Texas, for the winters where Jim would take out his fishing boat. They made many friends and created lifelong friendships and memories. He cherished the land, his dogs, the thrill of the hunt, and the calm of the water. Those who knew him will remember his love for these simple pleasures and the quiet strength with which he lived.

Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marsha, his parents, Lloyd and Vera Roland, his sister Nancy, his sister-in-law Linda Arnold, and infant son Brian Roland and grandson Brock Bellue.

Jim is survived by his 3 children and spouses, grandchildren, his sisters Mary Jo May of Denver, Colorado, and Becky Roland Bryant (Bob) of Storm Lake, Iowa, and brother-in-law Dick Arnold of St. Louis, Missouri.

His life was one of quiet strength, humility, and grace. He gave selflessly, worked faithfully, and loved deeply. Those who knew him will remember his calm spirit, his generosity, and the steady goodness that guided his days. May his memory always be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, who will designate them to organizations in Alden that honor his life and legacy.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Alden United Methodist Church with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.