Maurice 'Jim' Small, 90, of Akron, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Akron Care Center, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron, Iowa, with Chaplain Richard Cogan of St. Croix Hospice officiating. Visitation with the family will take place from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. The family welcomes expressions of sympathy through their website at www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Maurice James (Jim) Small was born on January 23, 1935, to Avery and Grace (Stinton) Small in Akron, Iowa. Jim grew up in Akron, where he graduated from Akron High School in 1953, and became a lifelong member of his beloved community.

After high school, Jim proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before receiving an honorable discharge after a year of service.

On November 13, 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Edith Milbrodt, at St. John Lutheran Church in Preston Township, rural Akron, Iowa, on her birthday — a beautiful bond that would last a lifetime.

Jim pursued his passion for barbering by attending Sioux City Barber College, and for more than 65 years, he served the Akron community with care and dedication as a barber. His steady hand and friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure in town.

A longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron, Jim was also deeply involved in his community. He served a term on the Akron City Council and was a committed member of the Akron Fire Department for many years.

Jim's interests were many: he loved golfing, playing cards, boating, fishing, hunting, and car rides (in the golf cart or Mustang). He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Yet, nothing brought him more joy than dancing with his sweetheart, Edie, a passion that lasted throughout their many years together. Above all, Jim's greatest joy was his family. He adored watching his children and grandchildren grow and cheering them on at their games and events. Jim and Edie's love for travel was evident as they explored the countryside, rarely missing an opportunity to support their loved ones.

Jim's legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Edie, of Akron, IA; his children: Miriam (Dude) Phipps of South Sioux City, NE, James 'Mike' (Paula) Small of Laurel, DE, and Joel (Sandy) Small of Hinton, IA; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Nate (Aftan) Phipps, and their children, Aidan, Lola, Lincoln, and Edie; Jamee (Kelvin) Adams, and their children, Jordyn and Kolton; Alexa Phipps; James 'Little Mike' (Megan) Small, and their children, Mikey and Evan; Hannah Grace Small (Bobby), Kaylee (Trent) Baker, Kenzie Small, and Jay Small. He is also survived by his brother, Gayland (Selma) Small of Akron, IA; his sisters-in-law,Jo Small (Eldon) of Akron, IA, and Kay (Buck) Small of Dunlap, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Avery and Grace Small; his great-grandson, Noah Phipps; and his siblings: William Small and Karen Small (both in infancy), Ivyl (Phyllis) Small, Eldon Small, Vernard (Claudia) Small, Kenneth (Evelyn) Small, Roscoe (Evelyn) Small, Fay (Berma) Small, Clinton 'Buck' Small, Babe (Basil) Blum, Wilma (Lyle) Baldwin, Ramona (Bob) Govig, and Clayton 'Murph' (Marilyn) Small