James R. Palmer, Sr.

James R. Palmer, Sr., age 83, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Mitchellville Nursing Home.

James was born April 1, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa to Jesse and Ruby Palmer. He had a variety of jobs throughout his life including a motel clerk and a bartender. Most recently he worked as a security guard for Blank Park Zoo. James was a well-known breeder of cockatiels and parakeets and had a story about this featured in the Des Moines Register. Above all, his passion was fishing. He loved to fish and any time he had free time he could be found with a fishing rod in his hand and a fish on the end of the line.

James is survived by his sons, James Rodney Palmer, Jr. and Jerry (Kathy) Palmer; daughter, Victoria Maxine Freel (Michael Hatchitte); grandchildren, Jason Palmer, Shawn Palmer, Josh (Chantel) Freel, Scarlet Hatchitte, Randy Palmer Jr., Heather Purscell-Rife; great-grandchildren, Noah, Bentley, Adrien, Ty, Brendan, Kailey, Miranda, Talicia, Jakijah, Aaron; sisters, Beverly Schoondyke and Joann Martin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Palmer; son, Randy Palmer; parents, Jesse and Ruby Palmer; and his brother, Robert Palmer.

There will be a graveside service at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Monday, July 20, 2020 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Due to the coronavirus, the family strongly encourages guests to please wear masks and social distance as much as possible.

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