James Wickham
June 23, 2022
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Service Details
James Harris Wickham died peacefully on June 23, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.
Jim was born in Des Moines, to Neva (Oxley) Wickham and Wilbur Harrison Wickham on July 27, 1934, 25 minutes before his brother, John. An East High graduate, he enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in Japan for two years. He used the GI Bill to attend Drake University, earning a BA in English in 1960 and an MA in English in 1970. He taught high school English for the Des Moines Public Schools from 1960 to 1996, 10 years at North High and 26 at Lincoln. Although he worked closely with students in the Gifted and Talented Program, he also volunteered to teach basic grammar courses. Early in the era of desktop computing, he became a Mac devotee who enthusiastically shared his expertise with colleagues. As an active member of the Des Moines Education Association, Jim was a building representative and a member of the negotiations team.
An avid jogger who ran three times a week to work at Lincoln from his home near the Fairgrounds, he continued a demanding exercise routine for more than two decades into retirement. He pursued a variety of interests, from photography, cooking, and gardening to community organizing as a board member of the ACCENT Neighborhood Association.
Family and friends can attest to his loyalty, commitment to justice, verbal brilliance, and sense of humor. He relished practical jokes and puns.
Jim is survived by his wife, Susan (Breemer); his brother, John; sons, Mark (Debbie), Grant (Nancy), and Kane; daughter, Shan (Alan); granddaughters, Ashley Bordelon and Sage Maniscalco-Wickham; bonus granddaughter, Angela Henderson; three greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jane Fowler; and sisters, Jessie Marie and Sarah, who died in infancy.
A family graveside service will be held in Glendale Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person through a link that will be available below shortly.
In honor of Jim’s lifetime commitment to education and the generations of students whose writing and thinking skills he shaped, memorial contributions can be directed to the student scholarship funds at Des Moines East, North, or Lincoln.
Joe Rubenstein
06/29/2022
Susan Im so sorry for your loss.
Jim had, and continues to have, a profound affect on my life. He introduced me to the beauty and power of the written word as a means of expression. To this day I still use the gifts and tools he gave me.
We are poorer for Jims passing. The man and the times were well met and we shall not see his like pass this way again soon. Rest In Peace Jim.
Nancy LeDent Baker
06/29/2022
I had Mr Wickham for English at Lincoln. I was class of 75. I recall him addressing all of us as Miss or Mr (your last name). He always treated us with respect. He left a lasting impression My condolences to his family.
Debbie Hensley
06/28/2022
I had Mr. WICKHAM FOR 10th grade English class. He was very strict, but I learned a great deal from him. He taught many of the everyday rules for grammar that I use today. My deepest condolences to your family.
Tony Randall
06/28/2022
I remember Mr. Wickham from North High (class of 1965). He was an excellent teacher with a great sense of humor. He always taught while standing at his lectern, which I thought was kind of neat. My sympathy to his family.