James McCabe

James (Jim) L. McCabe, 87, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease at MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care. He was surrounded by his loving wife Dianne and immediate family.

Jim was born in Red Oak, Iowa, to Josephine and John McCabe. He was their only child. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 1952. The most important day of his life was visiting a malt shop in Red Oak where he met his soul mate, Dianne Kuester. Jim loved to have fun and teased her, telling a “tale” of getting free malts from her. She was not interested at first stating “He has a nice car, but that is about it!” After a ride around town in his 50 Ford convertible and their first kiss he said, “I think I could learn to love you”. After 67 years of marriage, I guess he was right.

After high school, he then enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. He served as Airman Third Class with the 173rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron in the Air National Guard. He then enrolled at Grand View University in Des Moines and Omaha University. Jim’s career included working for Securities Acceptance, Associates Financial Services, and Iowa Des Moines National Bank. After leaving the banking industry, Jim fulfilled his life-long passion of owning his own car dealership and went on to open Jim McCabe Ford in Dallas Center, Iowa. He loved cars of all types, and buying, trading, and selling at his Ford dealership was a “fun thing to do.” Jim ended his career as the District Manager for Shelter Insurance.

Jim and Dianne were blessed with 3 children: Denise, Jeff, and John. His legacy lives on with a total of 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Family and friends would say he was kind, loving, and a generous man. Some would say, “He was one in a million”. His greatest love was his wife’s cooking and spending time with her. Dad was a great teacher and mentor in his business and personal life. He enjoyed serving as the church deacon and counselor in his church. In his role as Dad and Grandpa, he entertained all with great food and family fun. Everywhere he went, he had a pocketful of bubble gum to give out, along with a happy smile and hello. Our family was proud of him, and his friends would say they were grateful to have known him. We will miss him dearly!

In addition to his wife Dianne McCabe, Jim is survived by children: Denise (Doug) Nehas of Davenport, Iowa; Jeff (Diane) McCabe of Eldridge, Iowa; and John (Jody) McCabe of Clive, Iowa.

The McCabe family wants to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care for their kindness in the care of their father. We will always remember the true compassion they showed Dad.

Private services will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines. Private burial will be officiated by Nelson - Boylan - LeRette Funeral Chapel, Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care at
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