James Warren Erickson

James Warren Erickson, former CEO of Anderson Erickson Dairy, and lifelong resident of Des Moines, Iowa, died September 6, 2021, at the age of 85.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catherine; his children, Miriam (Gary) Brown, Beth (David) Bush, Warren (Laura) Erickson; and his sister, Elaine Erickson. He also leaves seven grandchildren including Austin (Tara) Bush, Andrew (Jeanne) Bush, Aaron Bush, Avery Bush, Joe Erickson, Ellen Erickson, Peter Erickson and one precious great-grandchild, Alice Bush.

On December 21, 1935, during one of Iowa’s coldest winters, Jim was born in Des Moines to Iver and Ruth Erickson. Growing up on the east side of Des Moines, he graduated in 1954 from East High School and later Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Catherine Beal, his college sweetheart, became his wife on July 9, 1960.

Jim was a second-generation CEO of Anderson Erickson Dairy for more than 40 years. As an advocate for independent dairies he was a true leader in the industry dedicated to making a difference. This included his leadership of International Dairy Foods Association, Milk Industry Foundation, Iowa Dairy Foods Association, and Master Dairies. He was extremely involved in the community including: East High Alumni, Des Moines Rotary Club, Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera, Des Moines International Airport Board, and Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa. In 2004, he was inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.

As a Christ-follower, his relationship with the Lord was his primary focus demonstrated by his service and leadership to the Evangelical Covenant Church and The Mission Church. He had a passion for sharing the gospel through missions and for sending missionaries around the world. He loved his family, traveling, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was happiest when he could combine all three. In his last days on earth his focus turned from world travel to anticipation of meeting his Savior in heaven with confident assurance.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm, September 13th, at The Mission Church in Urbandale, Iowa. His family will greet visitors from 4 to 7 pm, September 12th, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Mission Church or Edgewater Good Samaritan Fund.

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