James “Jim” Smith Guffey, 89, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Good Samaritan in Albert Lea. Born on December 18, 1933, in Newton, IA, he was the son of the late Paul and Minnie (Clement) Guffey. He was united in marriage to Joanne (Wiseman) Guffey, September 5, 1964, until her passing in March 2009. Together they raised two daughters, Jane and Susan.

James “Jim” Guffey

After attending high school in Newton, IA, Jim attended Iowa State University for two quarters. Jim worked at Maytag in Newton, IA, Snap-On Tools in Algona, IA, Scotsman Industries in Albert Lea, MN for 23 years, Crystal Tips in Spirit Lake, IA, Mile High Equipment Company in Denver, CO, and Zero Zone Inc. in North Prairie, WI, for 12 years. The majority of his career was spent as a designer and a mechanical engineer in the ice machine and refrigeration industry. Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was a ruling Elder for three years. Some of his favorite hobbies were woodworking, hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting at the Oak Grove Gun Club in Albert Lea, of which he was a member for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Minnie Guffey, his wife, Joanne Guffey, daughter Baby Guffey, son John Guffey, brother Ronald Guffey, father- and mother-in law LaRue and Katherine Wiseman, and sister- and brother-in-law Barbara and Orlin Solberg.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his daughters, Jane (Jacques) Guffey-Pierre and Sue Guffey; sister-in-law Nancy Guffey; and sister- and brother-in-law Janice and Dale Anderson.

A memorial service will be held later in the Spring.