James Dean "Jim" Karns, age 66, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away, Friday, November 17, 2023, at CHI Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Jim was born October 27, 1957, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Virginia (Cochran) Karns. He was raised in Marshalltown graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1976. Before moving to Red Oak, Jim had worked as a cook and in construction. He came to Red Oak 32 years ago and worked for D & L, Johnson Locker in Essex, and for the past five years in the meat department at Fareway. Jim was united in marriage to Bev Olney Franson on September 3, 1992, in Red Oak, Iowa. He enjoyed cooking on the grill, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids and his dogs. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and the Bears and Cubs were favorites too.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws: Paul and Florence Peebles. Survivors include his wife: Bev Karns of Red Oak, IA; son: Cody Franson and wife Abbi of Moville, IA; grandchildren: Cooper and Kendall Franson of Moville, IA; brother: Brad Karns and wife LeighAnn of Garwin, IA; sister-in-law: Care Wallingford and husband Vergil of Ashland, NE; and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held 1 PM Saturday, January 27, 2023, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel at 1995 G Ave., in Red Oak. A luncheon will follow the service at the 518 in downtown Red Oak.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.