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.
Val and Don Guthrie
01/04/2014
Dear Aunt Ronnie, Paulette, Karen, Dan, Doug, and families. We are so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Growing up I fondly remember good times my sisters and I spent "on the farm". Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Val and Don
Carla and Mike Satterwhite
01/04/2014
Dear Sherry, you (and Leigh and Janelle) are in our thoughts during this most difficult time. We will miss Jim's larger than life smile and the warm way he always greeted friends. May you find some peace in knowing his suffering is over. And may you find strength to put one foot in front of the other as you navigate life without Jim.
Nancy LaMorgese
01/04/2014
Dear Leigh, I am so sorry to learn of your father's death. I only met him at your wedding but he was so welcoming. I know you will miss him forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb and Jim Dyar
01/04/2014
We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a kind and gentle man who lived his life caring about others and offering friendship with ease and grace. We cherish his friendship and will remember his thoughtfulness and quick wit.
Rest knowing he now rests in peace.
Jeanne and Mike McDermott
01/04/2014
Dearest Sherry and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I am a firm believer that someday we all meet again. Jim was one of the original of "Jeanne's Grunts", and to me that means an awful lot. The Men of Charlie Company are my friends, brothers, and heroes. He will be missed so much. Jim is having a cocktail with Capt. Barry right now planning, heaven only knows what.......God Bless. Jeanne
Peggy and Scott Bernard
01/03/2014
Aunt Ronnie, Sherrie, Janelle, Leah, & family,
We are so sad and sorry for your loss! Jim was such a great son, brother, father, grandfather, (cousin) and man! He has been heavy in our thoughts and prayers and now we will pray for healing and comfort to all of you, knowing he's safe in God's hands and watching over all of us.
As I reminisce on the days in Fort Dodge when I would babysit for Janelle and Leah and I remember the strong, confident and caring father he was to the girls. His example would serve as a positive one to us, that he could be a success in all that he did.
We grieve with you in this time of sorrow and hope for peace in the days ahead. God Bless you and keep you in His care.
Love and prayers,
Peggy and Scott