James Earl Bale

James Earl Bale, born June 9, 1933, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025.

James “Jim” as known by family and friends, lived a full life.  He learned to drive early on and would assist his 8th grade teacher in taking sick children home that had come to school.

He ran track in high school and was loved by his peers with his many stories and jokes.  He met his wife, Lois, in high school, and they had a lasting romance.

Jim attended Peoria Barber College for seven months before he was drafted into the United States Army.  He was a Voice Radio Operator for the 443rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery at Wiesbaden, Germany.  After the war, Jim returned to barber college and became a Master Barber.

Jim married Lois McVey on August 26, 1956 in Mason City at the Methodist Church.  They moved to Delavan to raise their family.  Debbie, Shelly, Tim, and Todd, who were all with him in his final moments here on earth, before his soul departed to join his beloved wife in heaven.  Jim and Lois learned to study the Bible together and grew in their faith in Christ.  When Debbie asked Jim what he thought Lois would say to him when he saw her again. He promptly replied, with a laugh, “What took you so long?”

Jim and Lois had four children, Debbie (Dennis) Davison, Shelly (Dale) Green, Tim (Brenda) Bale, and Todd (Lisa) Bale; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.  He was always asking about the grandkids and loved to see their pictures and hear their stories.

Jim’s Barber Shop was also the hub for friends to stop by and chat, have a cup of coffee and hear a good joke.  He was never known as the “speedy barber”, but you always got your money’s worth.  He was that friendly guy everyone knows and if you were feeling down, he would give you a lift.

He will be greatly missed and he was greatly loved.

There will be no visitation or funeral per Jim’s request. Inurnment will be by his wife in the Prairie Rest Mausoleum.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorials in honor of Jim may be made to Delavan United Methodist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Earl Bale, please visit our floral store.