James Carl Luksetich

James C. Luksetich, 84, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away April 5, 2016. Devoted husband, father, friend, and business owner. Born on September 2, 1931 and raised in Melcher, Iowa, to immigrant parents, Vance and Christine Luksetich, Jim was the youngest of 12 children. Jim grew up understanding that opportunities and success awaited those who worked hard. At the age of 14, he hopped a freight train, riding inside and atop the box cars, to California for a summer-long adventure. He graduated from Melcher High School, attended Simpson College, and served in the Army during the Korean War.

Jim founded Town Financial in 1964, and started several finance-related businesses in Des Moines and Omaha, including First State and The Diamond Centre. He also attended the Harvard Business School Executive Programs for Owner/President Management (OPM) and Families in Business. Jim’s life was guided by his deep faith, love of family, sense of travel and adventure, and belief that life should be fully lived. One of his great travel adventures was to Cuba in 1998 with his wife and son, Josh, when Pope John Paul II visited the island. In addition to other trips, he also traveled to Russia with his sons and son-in-laws. Working hard was his pleasure and enjoyment, and retirement was not an option. He cherished his friends, enjoyed life, nature, storytelling, and the music of Willie Nelson, and he never forgot his humble beginnings.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue (Schipper) Luksetich; six children, Karla Rupiper (Bob O’Neal) of Papillion, NE, Vance of Breese, IL, Jon (Connie) of Seattle, WA, Brian (Dena) of Grimes, IA, Kelly Martin (Jayme) of Portland, OR, and Joshua (Carla) of Waukee, IA; along with fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom (Rita) of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ellen Luksetich.

A Funeral Mass will be held in memory of Jim at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at St. Augustin Catholic Church, 545 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa, with visitation to be held one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. A lunch to follow. Burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Augustin Catholic Church, or to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation www.alzinfo.org. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Arbor Springs - West Des Moines. Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway is handling arrangements.

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