James "Jim" McGough
January 03, 2014
Jim McGough, 62, died at home on January 3, 2014, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He had been under the devoted care of his family and the staff of Hospice of Central Iowa since December 26.
Jim was born in Fort Dodge on February 23, 1951. Jim served in the U.S. Army and was wounded in Vietnam on February 8, 1971, while serving as an infantryman with Charlie Company, 1/11 Infantry, 5th Inf. Div. Upon his homecoming, he married Sherry Isaacson in Fort Dodge; they made their home in greater Des Moines from 1980 until Jim’s death with the exception of three years in the suburban Detroit area.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sherry; and his two daughters and their spouses: Janelle and Mike Larson of West Des Moines, and Leigh and Mike Picchetti of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as well as grandchildren, Jordan Huston, Tyler Anderson, McKenna Anderson, Tayten Larson, Hudson Picchetti and Elena Picchetti.
Also surviving are Jim’s mother, Veronica (Ronnie) McGough, Fort Dodge; mother-in-law, Collette Isaacson of Des Moines; and four siblings and their spouses: Paulette and Randy Schuh, Des Moines; Karen and Bob Heun, Otho; Dan and Julie McGough, and Doug and Shari McGough, all of Twin Lakes; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Paul; nephew, Grant McGough; and father-in-law, Harley Isaacson.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014, at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon at the funeral home, on Monday, with family present from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Interment of cremated remains at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa, will take place at a later date.
Jim requested memorials be directed to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Hope Ministries, or the Animal Rescue League.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dave Bradley
01/05/2014
Sherry and family: I am very saddened by Jim's death. I worked for and alongside Jim, and respected him greatly. He was a good man. What I recall about him - and there are many, many good recollections - is he always deflected the conversation from him to you. He was my first visitor in North Carolina, and he always initiated contact. I miss him already. My thoughts are with you. We will see him again soon enough.
Susan Yager
01/05/2014
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Millie and Steve Page
01/05/2014
The times we've shared will forever be written in my heart. Jim was such a wonderful person to all he met . We loved hearing his stories but so often thought he was the one listening. Sherry so happy that we were able to have Christmas Cookies and coffee with you and Jim this year. It will be a very special happy memory of Jim and you.... It was so special and peaceful.
John Burnquist
01/05/2014
Sherry: I was a wet-behind-the-ears high school sophomore when I first met you and Jim. My eyes opened, however, after you two, and some others, led a motley group of students from First Presbyterian to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for a week of school. This event occurred within a couple of months of the horrible skirmish there, and left an indelible mark that remains with me to this day. I still recall Gene Siekman pointing out the bullet holes in the sides of the buildings, and the dead cattle on the side of the road. It was a real eye-opener! I still think of those times, and how it made me a better person. Dr. Siekman was one heck of a teacher, wasn't he? I hope you have the same feelings, as well. My sympathies, John
Debby & Steve Roe
01/05/2014
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know if you remember Steve & I as it has been a lot of years & we had just become friends when you moved to Des Moines. It is odd that just last week you and Jim came to my mind & I wondered about you & sent out a prayer of well wishes. Little did I know what you were going through. I am so sorry. I will continue to lift you and the girls, your family up in prayer. I pray great memories sustain you & the Lord gives you strength. God bless. Debby
Mike Pavik
01/05/2014
I first met Jim when I was a transfer student to Holy Rosary School (Fort Dodge) when we were classmates in seventh grade; in fact, he trained me to be an altar boy there. I remember him through high school as a great guy and good friend. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathy to his family at your loss.
Jennifer Bailey
01/05/2014
Mr.McGough was one of the kindest persons I know. He was also one of my favorite patients to take care of. He came to the clinic with a smile on his face, kind words for all and always prepared with documention in order. I am retired, yet will never forget the kindness of Jim.
Anna Jackson Morris
01/05/2014
Dear McGough family you have my most heartfelt sympathy. Jim was a jewel with impeachable character. I have known Jim for many years from Meredith I remember the joy he felt when his first grandchild was born. He definitely is in God's care as a very special Angel. Gone but never forgotten.
Keith Short
01/05/2014
So many others and I are so honored to have known and served with Jim. There are a couple days I will never forget, February 8th, 1971 when Jim was wounded at the Laotian border, and this past October 7th when Doc Mertz and I got to spend the day with Jim south of Denver. He has always been our hero. My deepest sympathy.
Mrs. Khan
01/05/2014
I would like to express my deepest sympathy. No doubt the loss of such a dear loved one will be felt by many. May you take comfort in the fact that sickness and death will soon be things of the past. The Bible promises that Jehovah God "...will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore..." (Revelation 21:4)
Jim and Laurie Kersten, Fort Dodge
01/05/2014
So sorry to hear of Jim' s death. I really enjoyed getting to know him after his brother Dan (who is my neighbor in Fort Dodge introduced me) and we tried to do business together with Successful Farming and Heartland Communications Ag Group in Fort Dodge. We had a very fun and enterraining dinner in San Franciso in the late 1990's with my cousin Monty Kersten at a restaurant on the 40th floor of a building looking out over San Francison Bay! What a great man and what a great loss but like me enjoy the great memories! Jim Kersten
Toni Hruska Baker
01/04/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was a great guy!! We traveled all through our school years together. May God comfort you and give you strength. God bless!! Sincerely, Toni Hruska Baker
Pat & Judy Reed
01/04/2014
Sherry & family, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. After all these years we still have fond memories of you and Jim when you lived in the Feelhaver area and the Isaacson family. May God's presence be with you and your family!
Janele Castagnoli
01/04/2014
To Jim's Family: There are so many fond memories of Jim to include his masterminding the building of the now invincible deck to the hanging of wallpaper in the kitchen and the Christmas celebrations with good food, wine, and the White Elephant gifts! He will be terribly missed but remembered with such fondness and love. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jane Scheideman Williamson
01/04/2014
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's death. I was in 4-H with all of the McGough family and Jim was my age. My husband and I live in Fort Dodge. A life cut too short way too early. I am so sorry!