James Carnahan

James Carnahan, 76, passed away on August 21, 2024 in Des Moines. Jim was born on March 2, 1948, to Ruth and Hugh Carnahan. He grew up in Des Moines, the middle of seven siblings. He graduated from Tech High School, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in education.

While studying in Iowa City, Jim met his wife Kinney. They relocated to Des Moines in 1973, where Jim embarked on a career in education that spanned three decades. Jim received his master’s degree from Drake University while working and raising his family and served as the guidance counselor for most of his career at Scavo High School. Former students describe him as an inspiration, commenting “his impact on my life has been profound”; “he made me feel important, special, talented, and capable”; “a great man who saw the good in everyone”; “a counselor, mentor, leader, and father-figure”. One student shared: “For all of us who have had the pleasure to have had Jim in our lives, don’t forget. Pass on his legacy and be kind, compassionate, and caring. It only takes one person to make a difference in the life of a young person”.

In the dictionary, Jim’s picture could easily accompany the definition of bleeding heart liberal. Jim has always been keenly interested and involved in Democratic politics, having attended the Democratic National Convention as a delegate on more than one occasion. He served as the chair of the Polk County Democratic Party in the late 80s and 90s, having the opportunity to meet and connect with many great democrats throughout Iowa and the country. He loved the enthusiasm of the current political scene, talking about it to anyone that would listen.

To know Jim is to know that he was a force to be reckoned with. He had a way of motivating people, of encouraging people, and of bringing out the best in people. He enjoyed debate and discussion. He enjoyed hard work and being busy. He loved his family fiercely and put the needs of those he loved first. Lastly, one cannot celebrate Jim without mentioning his love of Hawkeye sports and his enjoyment of watching all sporting events. Go Hawks! Unfortunately, he was also a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kinney, his parents, and his brothers Bill and Ron. He is survived by his children Maya (Ethan) Johnston, Erin Carnahan, and Tavian Carnahan as well as grandchildren Maddie, Lydia, Hayden, and Keshon, and great-grandson Ezra, all from Des Moines. Also surviving are sisters Ruth McAnally (Bettendorf), Carol Carnahan (Des Moines), and brothers Fred Carnahan (Bettendorf), and Gene Carnahan (Colorado) in addition to his brothers and sisters-in-law and multiple nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 2, 2024, at 1 pm at the Giovanneti Community Shelter at Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale.

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