James Patrick Dearden

James Patrick Dearden passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side and entered through the gates of Heaven on Sunday, April 8th, 2018.

James was born in Des Moines on February 12th, 1944. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1963. James married Pat Lyons on January 15, 1965 and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage.

James worked for Meredith Corporation and RR Donelley for 36 years as a Lead Pressman and retired in 1997. In 1994, along with his wife they started their own business Moo's Ice Cream, Tanning and Gifts in Pleasant Hill for 13 years. In 2007 he worked part time as a bus aide for Southeast Polk School District until 2017.

James was a craftsman who loved to draw, do wood working making furniture for their shop and his family.

One of his greatest joys was to attend all of his grandchildren's dance recitals and competitions, horse shows, baseball, basketball and soccer games. He was a huge fan of the girls Southeast Polk basketball team.

He attended Grace Church for 32 years where he served as an usher. James loved the Lord and sharing the gospel with others.

James is survived by his wife Pat of Mitchellville, daughters Michelle Smith (Tim) of Altoona, Meredith Maxwell (Rich) of Des Moines, Melissa Albertson (Brad) of Altoona, brother Bill Dearden of Ankeny, brother in law David Lyons of Des Moines , grandchildren Jessica Hahn (Korey), Brittany Little (Nick), Sydney and Sami Albertson, Zach and Logan Maxwell, great grandchildren Evie and Jude Little.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Marie Dearden and his sister, Pamela Dearden Thorpe.

Family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors who have cared for James over the past year and the caring staff at Taylor House Hospice.

Any memorial contributions can be made to the family for future student scholarships at Southeast Polk High School in his memory.

Services will be held at Grace Church, 4200 E 25th Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 13th. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 14th, and will conclude with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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