James R. Sloan

October 30, 1940 — September 17, 2023

Service Details

James Robinett Sloan, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Genesis Senior Living Center in Des Moines.

James was born October 30, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert and Alice (Robinett) Sloan. He was raised in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1958. James married Vesta C. (Williamson) on October 31, 1964, in Des Moines.

James was a devout family man and loved everything to do with his family. He was a father figure to many.

He was very involved in the Masonic Lodge, and was a 34th Degree Mason. He was Past Master with North Star Lodge #2, Commander in Chief with William Frank Powell Consistory, Past Potentate with Zeid Temple #90, and also with the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

James worked for Ford Motor Plant as a machinist, for John Deere, and retired from the Des Moines School District. He also had many side jobs and was known for being a handyman.

He enjoyed spending time bowling, shooting pool, dancing, and had a passion for music – he always had a tune on in the background.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Terry) Wells; son, James Sloan II; grandchildren: Jenessa Sloan, Reakwon Rogers, Lyshae Rogers, Aurielle Pearson, and Kingston Sloan; great-grandchildren, Ariana, Andres, Kristopher, Kristol, Jaheim, Jaila, and Kingston; sister, Verbena Fowler; brother, Owen T. Sloan; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.

James was preceded in death by loving wife, Vesta; his parents, Robert and Alice Sloan; sisters, Patricia Donahue and Binnie Lewis; brother, Robert Sloan, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Irvin Lewis, Larry Fowler, and Howard Donahue.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with family present beginning at 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 2, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, where a Masonic Service will be performed at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 814 School Street, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of James.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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