James D. "Jim" Bear
September 12, 2010
James “Jim” Bear passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2010. Jim was born to loving parents, Raymond and Esther Bear of Ackley, Iowa on April 6, 1937, both of whom preceded him in death. After graduating from Ackley High School in 1955, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1960 to 1963.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and spent a lot of time hunting and fishing. He had a great respect for nature.
Jim was employed as a parts manager for Mitchell Transmission for thirty years, first in Ames, finishing his career in Des Moines.
Jim is survived by a sister, Linda Harrington, brother-in-law, Dale Harrington, and their children, Krista Womble and Allen Harrington. He is also survived by Krista’s husband, Dan, and two great-nephews, Jon and Nate Womble; Allen’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Abigail (Goddaughter) and Madelyn Harrington. He was loved deeply by all.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Inurnment will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ackley, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines.
Online condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dee Mangus
09/15/2010
My family (Jesse Freeman) was in Iran at the same time Jim was stationed there in 1969 thru 1964. Jim and my sister, Terri, kept in contact the past 40 plus years through mail and finally email on a daily basis since "Iran" time. What a special friendship they had for each other. Through Terri, Jim & I emailed on a "sometime" basis--it was always great to hear from him with his "words of wisdom" and his jokes.
My thought and prayers go out to Jim's family for their loss. What a great man he was.
Marcia and Bruce Nordmann
09/15/2010
During our phone call last week, you said, "Ain't life grand!" That pretty much sums up the friendship we three have shared over the past 25 years. I can't even begin to express how much we will miss you. No more plans for dinner, no more funny e-mails, no more coffee at Target Starbucks.
I know your family is hurting right now, because you told us how much you loved them, which told us how much they love you.
I hope you are saving us a place at the coffee table Jim.
We will miss you until then.
Patricia Currier Minnick
09/15/2010
To Jim's family.
I am the daughter of Jim's friend Virginia Currier. I had the opportunity to meet Jim through my Mother and he was such a good friend to her. Jim always checked in on my mother weekly for a chat.
He was a dear man. I am sure you have fond memories to last a life time.
Angie Jones
09/15/2010
Jim, I can't believe your gone. I'm so saddened that I didn't get the chance to tell you how much you meant to me and that I loved you. I will miss getting those daily emails. I have missed our Saturday nights for some time. Dinner and Bingo at the Whitehouse. I was hoping we would have had the opportunity for them again. I know your in God's loving care and back with your dear friend Frank. I'm glad there is no more suffering. My heart goes out to your sister and her family whom I know you loved dearly. Thank you Jim, I hope you know you made a difference! I Love You...Godspeed.... Till we meet again...@
Dee Mangus
09/14/2010
My family (Freeman) was in Iran at the same time Jim was stationed there. He has kept in contact with my sister, Terri since that time. The friendship they had was unique--one of a kind!! Through Terri, Jim & I emailed on a "sometime" basis-it was always great to hear from him with his "words of wisdom" and joking ways.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family for their loss. What a great man he was.
Terri Thompson
09/14/2010
Jim had been a huge part of my life for almost 50 years and I too loved him deeply. He will be missed by me more than anyone will ever know or understand and I have a big void in my heart without his presence. I will forever treasure and cherish my memories of him. I know he loved his family dearly and my sympathy to all. It was an honor to have known Jim!