James "Jimmy Pat" Phelan

Jim “Jimmy Pat” Phelan was born on August 10, 1948, and left this world on July 6, 2025, surrounded by the friends and family who loved him dearly. These dates only tell a small part of his story, for Jimmy Pat was so much more than a timeline. We decided to just tell you about him in the hopes that whoever reads this, will learn a little bit about a great man. Because beyond the dates of Jimmy Pat’s life, it is a vibrant orchestration of love and honor.

Jimmy Pat was the embodiment of kindness and generosity. Whether he was playing golf with his friends at Stone Creek, working in the trucking industry for 40 years, farming, or nurturing relationships that spanned from Iowa to Kentucky to Fate, Texas, he was a force of nature. He had a way of making everyone feel special, and his warmth and love touched countless lives.

He believed in the power of change and self-improvement - always telling us kids to never settle. He earned his Bachelor's degree at age 45 and underwent bariatric surgery later in life. His determination and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Jimmy Pat had a unique ability to connect with people, even in the briefest of encounters. I remember a time at the grocery store near his house when he told me to tell Sally that I was his son. Her face lit up, and she spoke endlessly about how wonderful and kind he was. That was Dad – always making a lasting impression with his genuine interest in others.

Of course, Jimmy Pat had his stubborn moments, and we all rolled our eyes at him from time to time. But for every eye roll, there was double the love. Mom would often say, "Oh Jimmy Pat, give me a break," but it was always said with a smile and deep affection.

Our family shared a bond that was unbreakable. We never left anything unsaid, always embracing and saying "I love you" whenever we parted. Jimmy Pat was our father, husband, grandfather, brother, and best friend. He taught us about humanity and humility, and his legacy of honor and integrity will live on in our hearts.

Jimmy Pat leaves behind his loving wife, Margo; children, Ryan and Amy; grandchildren, Hannah and Cooper; brother, Dan Phelan; and sister, Paula Siegel. He also leaves a giant hole in the universe of those who loved him. We hope to aspire to the greatness that he was, but maybe with a few less eye rolls.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 205 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Private burial on Saturday morning at Holy Cross Church and Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life starting at noon at the Kelleher Airbnb Farmhouse, 1658 North River Trail in Winterset, IA.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you pay it forward. Buy someone dinner without them knowing, pay for the car behind you at the fast food place, or buy someone's groceries that needs the help. Dad's love should be shared, just like he did in life.

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