James "Jim" J. Kane

James “Jim” J. Kane, 93, of Windsor Heights, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023.

Jim was born November 17, 1929, in Lawler, IA to Harry and Anna Kane. His childhood in Lawler was spent working the family farm, hunting and fishing and attending school and church. Following graduation from high school, he attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA. Jim interrupted his undergraduate studies to enlist in the Navy in 1951 during the Korean Conflict, and witnessed nuclear testing on the Pacific Proving Grounds near the Enewetak Atoll. After completing his naval service, Jim finished his undergraduate studies at Loras, and attended law school at Drake University in Des Moines, graduating in 1958.

Jim met his wife Anita (Mirr) Kane, on a blind date. He could not believe his good fortune in being introduced to the woman who had mesmerized him during church over the span of several months. Jim and Anita were married on August 29, 1964, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, settled in Windsor Heights and remained married for 52 years until her death in 2016.

Jim was employed by Employers Mutual Casualty Company until 1982 when he opened his own law firm. Jim was a personal injury and workers compensation attorney for over 35 years. His client base was built using his natural gift of gab, handing out business cards to everyone he met, and ongoing referrals from his clients.

Jim had many diverse talents and interests. He never lost his passion for hunting and fishing that was instilled during his childhood in Lawler. He continued to hunt into his early eighties and spent over 20 years fishing for coho and chinook salmon from his boat, the “Legal Eagle” that he kept docked in Sheboygan, WI. He self-financed his legal education using his poker skills. After his marriage to Anita, he became an avid golfer and bowler, activities they enjoyed together. Jim also enjoyed snow skiing and playing golf and tennis with Anita and his children.

Jim will be greatly missed by his two children, son Sean and daughter Kelly; sisters-in-law Carol Hoover, Janet Robinson and Betty Dies; brother-in-law, Dale Mirr (Lana) and dozens of nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anita, and siblings Margaret, Don, John, Lee, Helen and Harriette.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care in West Des Moines for the excellent care Jim received over the past year.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday November 7, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road, in Des Moines. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to either Pheasants Forever or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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