James Leroy Sayre

James “Jim” Leroy Sayre, 77, of West Des Moines, passed away on January 18, 2024. He was born to James and Phyllis Sayre on June 1,1946 in Carroll, Iowa and was the oldest of 13 children.

Jim spent his early years in Seattle, Washington, the San Francisco Bay area, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. He spent a year in seminary school in Santa Fe before graduating high school in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Jim began his educational career at New Mexico State University and Boone Jr. College before receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English at Iowa State University. After graduation he taught English and was an advisor for the Estherville Jr. College newspaper for two years. He later earned a JD degree from Drake Law School, graduating in 1973 as a member of the Order of the Coif.

Early in his career, Jim worked in the Law Practice of Dreher, Wilson, Adams and Jensen before going into private practice. He later opened his own practice and was joined by his son, Jim. Most notable of the clients he represented for a number of years was the Iowa State Education Association. January 17, 2024, marked 50 years of law practice.

Jim was very involved in his community. He coached Little League in Windsor Heights and Urbandale, was active in the Des Moines YMCA, past president, served as President on the fee arbitration board for the Attorneys of Iowa, and was active at Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Most recently he served as treasurer of Glen Oaks Owners Association.

On November 26, 1966, Jim married Marie “Kitty” Kathryn Spies of Boone, Iowa. Together they had 2 children, Brianna (Ryan) Sayre Geiser and James (Sheila) Sayre, along with 3 granddaughters, Breckin Geiser, Saffire Sayre and Shanel Sayre.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Phyllis and Dr. Henry J. and Gladys Spies (in-laws). He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, seven sisters, five brothers and numerous sister and brothers-in-law.

A visitation celebrating Jim’s life will occur at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa on February 2, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sayre family for distribution to organizations special to Jim. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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