Marilyn Frances James

January 13, 2020

Service Details

Marilyn Frances James, 91, passed away January 13, 2020 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA with family by her side. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.

Marilyn was born July 11, 1928 in Des Moines to Edna (Fish) and Arvid Bloomburg, Sr. She graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and began working as a secretary at Standard Oil Company. During her time there, she met her husband, Paul G. James, Jr. They were married on November 30, 1957 in Des Moines, IA. After they were married, Marilyn became a full-time homemaker. Together they started Pajama Investments where they owned and managed residential rental properties. Four children were born to this union; Bob, Judy, Debbie, and Jeff.

In her free time, Marilyn enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, and monthly luncheons with her sorority sisters. She was a talented painter and after the children were grown, Marilyn and Paul spent their winters in California where Marilyn was free to paint extensively. She treasured time spent with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed having them over for sleepovers, playing Skip-Bo, taking them to the fair each year, and teaching them how to cook her famous soup, roast, brownies, cakes, and jigglers.

Marilyn is lovingly missed by her children, Robert James of San Diego, CA, Judy (Mark) Patterson of West Des Moines, IA, Debbie (Chris) Brown of Waukee, IA and Jeff James of San Diego, CA; 8 grandchildren, Joey (Ashley) Patterson, Billy Patterson, T.J. (Tara) Patterson, Stephany (Brad) Hartley, Erica James, Brandon James, Jenny Brown and Tim Brown; 6 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Brody and Cole Patterson, Marley Patterson, and Kaylin and Kinsley Hartley; her brother, Arvid Bloomburg, Jr. of West Des Moines, IA; and her brother-in-law, Floyd Sayles of Panora, IA.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Kenneth Powell; her sister, Pat Sayles; sister-in-law, Nellouise Bloomburg; and her husband, Paul James, Jr. who passed in 2018.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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