James Paul Gerholdt

Veteran RC pilot, James Paul Gerholdt of Evansdale has logged 73 years. He took his last flight on September 14, 2021, at 6:21 AM at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Looking on his most spectacular flight ever were his wife of 54 years, Marilyn, and his two surviving daughters, Anita Smith and Yvette (Matthew) Muters.

Grandchildren; Abigale and Amelia Frisch and Elias Muters have always been impressed with grandpa's biggest passion.  Jim supported his passion for flight by working at Clay Equipment (1965-1978), and, then, as a machinist at Viking pump until he retired with Marilyn in 2006.

Family who have already tracked their flight and made it to their destination were Jim's parents, Mads and Inez (Crangle) Gerholdt; one brother, Carl (in infancy); two sisters, Rose Ridder Loftsgaarden and Lois Nelson; a daughter, Bridget Maher; and two grandchildren, Adyn and Aline Frisch.

Jim not only flew RC planes, but built them and taught others the knack of keeping an eye on the sky for updated weather reports and flying conditions. Jim and his buddies experienced indescribable thrills of flying. And whether on the flying field, or not, Jim always found someone to talk to. He never met a stranger. Some say he had the gift of gab.

When the wind knots are too high, Jim recalls his other passions and aerial acrobatics. He knew, practiced, and showed off his inside loops, rolls, stalls, etc. At the end of the beautiful day Jim had to charge his batteries, read his RC magazines, catch up with the guys, check Facebook, or watch TV. He did all of this in the comforts of his recliner with his Siamese kitty, Annie, on his lap.

Charging his controllers took time and the weather didn't always cooperate to be able to get out to the flying field. It was in those times that Jim volunteered for the New Hartford Fire Department, was a member of New Hartford Jaycees, traveled with his wife to all 50 states, and was a member of the choir, Resurrection Choir and a Cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Gilbertville. He also took spins in the Waterloo 4th Street Cruise in his grandpa's 1941 International pick-up that he fondly called Charlie, after his grandpa.

Flying model airplanes wasn't his only aeronautical feat. You could also see his love for flying as he and his family were often found chasing after hot air balloons.

Nothing but blue skies.  Take flight.  You are meant to soar.