James Raymond Underfer, Sr.

James Raymond Underfer Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2022.

James was born on February 13, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa to Reinhold and Margaret Underfer and was a proud graduate of North High School. Jim met his bride Alice Kay Darr at Highland Park Christian Church and the couple was blessed with three children. Jim gravitated towards the country schools to teach in and began his career teaching and coaching for North East Community Schools. In the mid 60’s he moved to another tiny school district, West Des Moines Community Schools where he retired from and was inducted into the Valley High School Hall of Fame. He taught all courses in Science throughout his career because in the contract it reads, other duties as assigned. However, his favorite course was Environmental Science.

Jim was raised on a farm, the work ethic, simple life and values would be instilled in his heart forever. He would pass these things down to his family, friends, students and athletes. He loved to grow over 300 tomato plants, 250 pepper plants, 3,000 onions, and hundreds of hills of potatoes. Not to forget squash, fruits, lettuce, beets and any other vegetable he could think of - and then gave most of it away to family, friends and the community. His “garden” was organic long before it was the in thing to do. And true to his nerdy scientist self, his soil was perfectly pH balanced.

Jim was a natural athlete which skipped a generation and was passed down to his grandchildren. He played several sports growing up. He studied Music Ed - specifically wind instruments - and Science Education at Drake University and was a proud member of the D club - lettering in sports, playing football, wrestling and baseball for the Bulldogs. Jim was also a part of the Drake TKE Fraternity.

Jim was recruited for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs two separate times. His child was born so he opted to stay close to the family and pursue his teaching and coaching career and to become the very best Dad on the planet. Baseball was his favorite sport. Jim made a name for himself as a wrestling coach finding a place in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Coaches and the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. He started the Iowa Wresting Coach and Referee Association, which then branched out into the National Wrestling Coaches and Referee Association. However, Jim coached all sports including basketball – that is what happens when you work for country schools.

James taught science for 36 years. Like any Master Teacher, he treasured his students and athletes. He made a point of teaching foundational skills and embedded life skills along the way. He loved nothing more than to see kids grow and evolve. He developed relationships with kids long before it was best practice in the profession. He gravitated to the underdogs. He would teach, coach and tease them with his famous humor and one-liners. It gave him great pleasure as he continued building the relationships with his athletes and students after graduation. They would stop to see him, call, text, email, travel with and go for lunch. He rejoiced with them in their achievements and sat with them during the times of sorrow. Jim also valued his colleagues at school over the years. He developed lasting friendships that spanned a lifetime. He was often the “rock” in the Science Department and enjoyed mentoring new teachers.

Jim was also proud to be a lifelong Boy Scout. He earned his Eagle and proudly served as a Scout Master and helped many kids obtain their Eagles. He was proud of the generations of family behind him who worked to achieve theirs or the equivalent through Camp Fire.

Jim and Alice had a Christ Centered marriage and believed strongly in serving others, it was the theme of their marriage and family life. Together they taught Sunday School, led a Youth Group, and took kids on Youth Trips. Jim’s favorite thing to do at Church was to attend every Thursday for Chore Core. He loved working at the church and did so right up until his passing. He treasured the men he served alongside at West Des Moines Christian Church.

Jim and Alice also volunteered for the City of WDM, WDMCSD, Valley High School, West Des Moines Christian Church, Ramsey Home, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, Camp Hantesa, Camp Mitiguwa, several state and local parks, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and Unified Olympics to name just a few. Jim established the very first environmental efforts in the city of WDM and recycling practices and programs.

Jim and Alice believed in Philippians 2:4 not looking to your own interests, but each of you look to the interest of others and in John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Jim was not financially rich - his treasures were his family, friends, students, athletes, colleagues, friends and church family. The house on Brookview served as not just the Underfer home, but as a safe place for students, athletes and colleagues to stay when they needed a place. There was always an extra plate at the table.

He is survived by his brother, Jerry Underfer; children, Kimber Jorgensen (Steve), Jim Underfer, Jr. (Paula) and Dr. Alissa Underfer; four grandchildren, Captain Nick Jorgensen, Lukas Jorgensen (Micayla), Emma Sink Underfer, Isabell Underfer; one great-grandchild, Archie Jorgensen; and several treasured family members across the United States, in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim especially treasured his nephews, Wade Watters and Tyler Smith, they were the apple of his eye.

He was preceded in death by his father, Reinhold; mother, Margaret; and wife, Alice.

Services will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Friday, December 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Saturday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Boy Scout of America, Camp Mitigwa, Camp Hantesa, Iowa State Fair, Valley High School Staff Fund, Johnston High School Best Buddies, or plant a tree or butterfly bush (save the trees, save the bees).

In honor of Jim, please dress casually and come as you are. No suits or wearing black… Jim would have hated that. We will also be taking donations for new socks and canned food for the food pantry.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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