Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

James R. Foth, Sr.

July 19, 1944 - October 21, 2022

James Richard Foth, Sr., 78, passed away October 21, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). A funeral service will follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. The family is hosting a reception following the burial from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at VFW Post 9662 (1309 NE 66th Ave., Des Moines, IA).

Jim was born July 19, 1944, in Bancroft, IA, to Robert and Laverne (Wolf) Foth. When Jim was two years old, the family moved to Osage, IA. He graduated from Osage High School in 1962, then enlisted in the US Navy. He served from 1963 to 1967, spending most of his time on the aircraft carrier, Bon Homme Richard, and he loved being out at sea. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and was very proud of his service to the country.

After serving in the military, Jim went on to work for Plumb Supply Company and worked there 42 years before retiring in 2009. He was a member of DPMA, Ankeny Jaycees, Ankeny Building Association, Common IT group and VFW Post 9662.

Jim enjoyed boating, fishing, playing cribbage, music, and working on family ancestry. Above all he loved spending time with family (especially the grandkids’ school and sporting events) and friends. He never knew a stranger and was willing to give a helping hand to whoever needed one.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce (Ott) Foth; son, James Foth, Jr. and his children, Kelsie Lovell (son, Rohen), Kasie Ebeling (daughter, Averie), Katie Foth (daughters, Leilah and Harper) and Aaron Foth; son, Anthony (Tony) Foth (and wife Michelle) and their children Emma, John and Ava; brother, John (Carolyn) and their children, Jennifer, Nathaniel; brother, Dennis (Noi) and their daughters, Marilyn, Patricia, Angela; brother, Dick (Stacey) and their children Eric, and April; and brother, Don (Kim) and their son, Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Service Organizations (USO) in loving memory of Jim.