James L. Parrish

James L. Parrish, 83, a devoted family man and proud U.S. Army veteran, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at his home in Urbandale, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Service will take place the next day, Wednesday, November 19 at 9:30 a.m. also at the funeral home. Inurnment will immediately follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

Jim was born in Ogden, Iowa and was raised in Fraser and then Ankeny, Iowa with his eight siblings and his parents William (Bill) and Irene (née Odin) Parrish. After graduating from Ankeny High School in 1960, he enlisted in the Army, completing his basic training in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Shortly after basic training, he served near Seoul, Korea. During his time there, he worked as a morse code operator and a cryptographer. He took great pride in reaching the rank of sergeant in a short amount of time and in serving his country.

In 1964, he met his wife, Sue, while “scooping the loop” in Des Moines. The two married and shared 51 wonderful years together. He adopted her two children from prior relationships and they later welcomed a daughter. He previously fathered a son while serving in Korea. Family was his greatest joy, and he cherished time with his children and loved nothing more than to spoil his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A hard worker with never-ending energy, Jim spent most of his career in the trucking industry. He worked at P.I.E. Trucking, Roseway Trucking, and Hawkeye Wood Shavings, and earlier in his life he held positions at John Deere and Lennox Heating and Cooling. He took pride in his work and worked long hours each week, even working on the weekends. He was respected and liked by all he met.

His hard work bled into his personal life as well. He would come home and work in the yard. He had a love for mowing and working in the garden. He also enjoyed other outdoor activities like fishing and swimming and taking care of and feeding his many neighborhood squirrels. Animals always held a special place in his heart, especially his dogs, including Shannon, Tagie, Peaches, Hollie, and Willow. He enjoyed traveling on road trips with family, visiting family in California and Oregon, as well as trips west with Dick and Lois Oertwig and Kathy and Joe Langos. Jim was a lifelong Cubs fan. Always on the move, he was a frequent sight in the neighborhood walking his dog, Willow, and was friends with most of the people in the neighborhood, all of whom he cherished. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his laugh, his smile that he always argued he didn’t have, and the way he knew no stranger.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Susan (Sue); son, Jim; parents; and his eight siblings, Gary, Polly, Noreen, Bill, Tommy, Jean, Reon, and Joni.

He is survived by his children, Lisa (Bob) of Urbandale, Kelly (Christy) of Des Moines, Charles (Jessica) of Abilene, Texas; son-in-law, Mark (Kristine) of Clive; daughter-in-law, Shannon of West Des Moines, granddaughters, Jillian of Urbandale, Danielle (Dan) of Milaca, Minnesota, Rhiannon of Ankeny; great-grandson, Ahbah and great-granddaughter Lilly of Milaca, Minnesota; as well as honorary grandchildren, Alex and Danny of Des Moines, Iowa, and Izzy and Cruz of Urbandale, Iowa.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, countless memories filled with laughter, and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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