James "Jim" R. Biddle

James “Jim” R. Biddle
If there was a car engine, a machine, an appliance, or a home repair to be done, James Biddle was the one his extended family, friends, and colleagues called on to take care of it. And if replacement parts or specialized tools were required, they almost always could be found in his garage. When he died on Jan. 22 at age 88, he left a big hole in a lot of people’s lives.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Iowa who grew up on farms with his parents and four older siblings. He graduated from Grimes High School in 1954 and then worked for most of his adult life running printing presses. A member of the Graphic Communications International Union, he retired from Plain Talk where he not only ran presses, he fixed them. Jim also put his skills to good use over the years as he bought and maintained more than 10 duplexes that he rented out, primarily on the south side of Des Moines where he lived.
A dedicated member of the Iowa Air National Guard, Jim retired as a Master Sergeant after 31 years of service. He was proud of his record in the Guard as an expert mechanic with a perfect driving record. He often regaled his family with his adventures on Guard trips to places like Panama and England. As a retiree, he volunteered for many years placing U.S. flags on veterans’ graves.
Volunteering and public service were important to Jim. He worked in the information booth at the Iowa State Fair for years. He is a Past Worshipful Master of Adelphic Lodge 509. He participated in many Democratic caucuses. He was a faithful member of Park Avenue Christian Church. And he was generous with the bounty from his home garden, especially his beloved raspberries.
Jim married Marjorie Gearhart in 1962, but he was widowed more than 25 years ago. The youngest in his immediate family, he was preceded in death by his parents, C.C. and Nellie Biddle, and his siblings Dorothy Bishop, John Biddle, June Karnes, and Ruth Biddle. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Park Avenue Christian Church, 3219 SW 9th Street. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. also at the church. Jim will be laid to rest at Franklin Township Cemetery in Bondurant, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Park Avenue Christian Church in loving memory of Jim.

Print