RANDOLPH — Memorial services for Jim R. Hilkemann, 80, Randolph, were Jan. 23 at First United Methodist Church, Randolph. Rev. Judy Carlson officiated, with burial at a later date.

The service was also livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation was Thursday at the church.

Home for Funerals-Randolph was in charge of arrangements.

Jimmy Ray Hilkemann died Jan. 17, 2026, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home, Randolph, with his wife, Barbara, by his side.

Jim was born May 17, 1945, in Norfolk, the son of Ervin and Elsie Hilkemann. He grew up in Randolph, where he would spend nearly his entire life rooted to the land and community he loved.Jim married Barbara D. Galvin Aug. 25, 1965, marking the beginning of a marriage that would span nearly six decades. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work and home.

Jim was a farmer, devoting his life to the family farm he inherited from his father in Randolph. Farming was more than a job to him;it was who he was. He continued working the land and caring for the farm until nearly the time he moved into the nursing home.

In addition to farming, Jim found joy in tending his garden, collecting John Deere tractors, Ford trucks, fixing up old cars, and sharing meals and conversation at the Hill Top with friends and neighbors. He washappiest when his hands were busy.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Hilkemann; his twin sister, Judy McFadden; and his five children, Paula Hilkemann, Randolph; James Hilkemann and his wife, Jill, Lincoln; Martha Safranek and her husband, Kevin, Merna; Jessica Bader and her husband, Kirk Norfolk;and Jennifer Busch and her husband, Ron, Fremont; nine grandchildren, Ashley, Jaden, Josie, Jake, Collin, Kourtney, McKenzie, Devon and Douglas; and six great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Elsie Hilkemann; his brother, Vernon Hilkemann; and his grandson, Thomas Reimers.