Tragic Crash Claims Life of Belle Plaine Man in Poweshiek County
POWESHIEK COUNTY, IA — June 20, 2025 — What began as a quiet Thursday morning in the heartland of Iowa ended in heartbreak, as a tragic two-vehicle collision in rural Poweshiek County claimed the life of a well-known and deeply respected member of the Belle Plaine community.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident occurred on Highway V18, just north of 460th Avenue, in a rural stretch lined with open farmland and gently rolling hills. Around mid-morning, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following reports of a serious crash. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, James Jacobi, a 70-year-old resident of Belle Plaine, succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the crash involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. One of the vehicles reportedly veered into the oncoming lane for reasons still under investigation, leading to a head-on impact. The force of the collision was catastrophic, leaving both vehicles severely damaged and requiring a significant emergency response. The driver of the second vehicle, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
James Jacobi’s sudden and tragic death has sent shockwaves throughout Belle Plaine and neighboring communities. Known for his quiet strength, warm presence, and deep roots in the area, James was a familiar face to many. A lifelong Iowan, he spent most of his years in the rolling fields and tight-knit neighborhoods of eastern Iowa. His passing leaves behind not only a grieving family but also a town that will feel his absence for years to come.
Those who knew James remember him as a man of integrity, patience, and generosity. Whether he was working in his yard, attending community events, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, he did so with humility and heart. A retiree who had spent years working in agriculture and local industry, James was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and quiet but unwavering support for those around him.
Friends and family are already beginning to share their memories of James—stories filled with laughter, wisdom, and a sense of enduring loyalty. Many describe him as someone you could always count on, a steady presence through life’s ups and downs. In times of difficulty, he was often the first to show up, never asking for anything in return.
The Iowa State Patrol, along with local law enforcement and accident reconstruction teams, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it to come forward with information that could assist in piecing together the sequence of events.
As the investigation unfolds, the community of Belle Plaine is left to grieve the loss of one of its own. Plans for a memorial service will be announced by the Jacobi family in the coming days, giving friends, neighbors, and loved ones the opportunity to honor James’s life and legacy.
This devastating event is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring each moment we have with those we love. In the fields and roads of Iowa, where James Jacobi lived and gave so much of himself, his memory will remain—a symbol of dedication, kindness, and the enduring spirit of small-town America.
Rest in peace, James Jacobi.
Your life touched many, and your absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.