James Sanders

James Sanders, 77, died May 30, 2007 at Good Samaritan Center (Alzheimer’s Unit), Indianola, Iowa. He was born October 1, 1929 in Wilmington Delaware, and was raised in Charleston, West Virginia, attending Charleston schools and Morris Harvey College, following four years’ service with the US Army. After spending several years in the Army Reserves, he continued his active military career, retiring in 1974.
During his Army service he served with the 101st and 82nd airborne units and was a jump instructor at Ft. Benning; served as a personnel Sgt. at Ft. Benning and Wildflecken, Germany. He received the Purple Heart while in Viet Nam and served as an Army recruiter in Des Moines.
Following his military retirement, he was a civilian recruiter with the Army and was employed by Job Corps and Commercial Bag Co. in Des Moines. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a member of the Southtown Club and the Golden “K” Club. He was a Lt. Governor of the Nebraska-Iowa District in 1981-82. He also had been a member of the Acanthus Masonic Lodge and Acanthus Eastern Star. He enjoyed bowling and golf. He was dedicated to helping with the Pioneer Baseball League. He was a member of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, having served as an elder there.
Jim was the son of Harold and Marjorie Sanders and is survived by his wife Margaret (Peggy), daughter Karen (Mrs. Ed Kelly) and granddaughter Heather of Des Moines, son Jim (Kathy) and granddaughter Mackenzie of Johnston.
His body has been donated to Des Moines University. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 4, 10:30 AM at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends following the service in Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made to Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, Good Samaritan West in Indianola, Hospice of Central Iowa or Pioneer Baseball League for children with disabilities.

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