James "Jim" Gebhart
May 23, 2019
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Service Details
Jim Gebhart, 74, of Des Moines, Iowa, died May 23, 2019, after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born May 12, 1945, in Boca Raton, Florida, to Marie (Nadermann) and Art Gebhart. He was the oldest of four children.
Jim grew up in Dyersville, Iowa. He graduated from Xavier High School, received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and his Master of Education from Iowa State University. During his school years, Jim participated in several sports, but baseball was his passion as he played for Little League, high school, college, and the Dyersville Whitehawks baseball teams. These activities as well as his many coaches and mentors played a key role in his ensuing career in teaching and coaching.
His teaching career began at Saydel High School, and he remained loyal to that district as a teacher, coach, and athletic director until his retirement and beyond. Jim was renowned throughout the state for his accomplishments. Jim was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000. He was named the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association (IHSADA) Athletic Director of the Year in 2003. He also received the distinguished Bob White Award in 2016. The Bob White Award is given to a leader who exemplifies qualities of character and leadership. However, Jim’s greatest joy and most significant achievements were realized from his family life. He loved his sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Those left to cherish the many great memories are his sons, James R. (April) Gebhart and Steven Gebhart; twin sister, Jan Cleator; sisters, Jeanie (Dan) Krcmar and Judy Gronemeyer; and his adored grandchildren, Cal, Jace, and Macie.
Visitation will be held at the Saydel High School Gymnasium, 5601 NE 7th Street in Des Moines, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31st at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saydel Baseball program in loving memory of Jim.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Brent Cook
05/29/2019
I worked with Jim in the Leadership Training program through the IHSADA for several years. I enjoyed teaching classes with Jim to our fellow AD's, attending meetings with him around the country, and seeing his joy in all the improvements he was able to be a part of at Saydel H.S.
He loved to talk to me about his family as we traveled and prepared to teach classes together. Jim was a great leader and mentor to me and many others around the state. I will miss him and will strive to cherish family and friends in the way Jim did...my thoughts and prayers with you all.
mike english
05/29/2019
Read Jim's obit in Des Moines Register. My sympathy to all the family. Many great memories with the Gebharts in Dyersville. You are in my thoughts.
Jim Boehmer
05/28/2019
Many years ago I began to attend the IHSADA state convention and Jim was an individual that impacted me! He helped me see my role as an AD in a more professional light. Jim was a servant to AD's around the state and his impact will last forever in the IHSADA. "A good man improves my day, A great man changes my life." Jim was a great man!
Ann Wistrcill
05/26/2019
I have such fond memories of Jim, Jan, Jeannie and Judy, Uncle Art, Aunt Marie and their extended family during our Sunday afternoon and holiday get togethers at their house. We always looked forward to a fun and special time with them! Hugs to all, as you remember a really special part of your / our family!!!
Tom and Sue Gebhart
05/26/2019
Sorry to hear about Jim passing. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Terri Heisterkamp
05/26/2019
Jim, you were and always will be my mentor and friend. The lessons I learned from you, the stories of life, family, and sports that we shared will never leave me. You ARE the face of Saydel! I have been honored and blessed to have had you in a significant part of my life.
Harley Schieffer, Executive Director of the Iowa H
05/25/2019
Sorry to hear this sad news. Jim was a kind and gentle man who loved his family dearly. Jim was a great leader who excelled as a coach and athletic director. He was the first Leadership Training Coordinator for the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association which provided professional development opportunities of the state's athletic administrators. The IHSADA owes Jim a great deal of gratitude for his persistence in training athletic directors around the state of Iowa. Rest in Peace Coach Gebhart!!
Lori Digmann
05/25/2019
Jan Poodie and Judy you all have my sympathy. Cherish all the memories that you had with him. From all of the messages on Facebook it looks like he was a very loved man. I will keep praying for you guys through this difficult week that you will have 10 days beyond that. Love you all hugs to everyone
Charlie Meier
05/25/2019
Sorry to hear of Jims passing .I remember Jim well as we worked together many years at Saydel High School. Jim was an excellent role model as a coach teacher and mentor. Jim and his family are in my prayers.
Billy & Cindy Brinkman
05/24/2019
Bill has known Jim for many years, playing ball for him and most recently as the head umpire at every Labor Day weekend Saydel Alumni Softball tournament he volunteered his time to. He gave his heart, soul and passion in what Cindy saw in Jim. He will be greatly missed and remembered as fine example of his passion and wonderful personality.
Denise Miller
05/24/2019
I only knew Jim briefly as I have not worked at Saydel High School very long, but his smile, sparkling eyes & friendly demeanor were such a welcome sight when he would arrive in the office to substitute teach. Jim will be greatly missed! I feel very blessed to have known him, even if only a short while. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. You have my deepest sympathies & I hope the wonderful memories you have with him are a comfort at this sad time.
Connie Roby Dellaca
05/24/2019
So sorry to hear about Jim. Have many fond memories. My heart breaks for all you who loved him. I will be out of town so sorry to say I won't be able to attend the service. You are in my thoughts and prayers .