Obituaries » James Stark
James Stark
April 1, 1960 - August 3, 2022
James “Jim” William Stark, 62, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation for Jim will be held 9:30am to 11:00am August 5, 2022 at St. Augustin Catholic Church (545 42nd St., Des Moines). A Mass of Christian burial will follow, beginning at 11:00.
Jim was born April 1, 1960, to James and Kathleen Stark. He attended St. Augustin, Dowling Catholic High School and graduated from the University of Iowa.
Jim was an avid sports fan and loved to compete. He could often be found on the golf course with his friends or cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes or Dowling Maroons, (for whom he played with much success and passion.)He never missed a game whether it was in attendance, watching on television or listening to it on the radio. He especially enjoyed watching the games with his Dad.
Jim will be remembered by his lively sense of humor, his quick wit and his natural ability to engage in hilarious banter making everyone around him laugh. He was known for giving everyone he loved a special and unique nickname that he always greeted you with.
His favorite and proudest title was that of “Uncle Jim,” as he adored his 4 nieces and 2 nephews and attended many of their events and activities throughout the years supporting them and cheering them on endlessly. Jim had an enormous heart and loved his family fiercely.
He was also a huge animal lover and his love for his own dogs was immense. Jim had fun giving them comical names such as Bob, George and Clark. They were a part of Jim’s family and he showered them with love and affection.
Jim is survived by his parents, Jim and Kathy Stark of West Des Moines; his sisters, Jeanne (Dave) Harmeyer of West Des Moines and Sue (John) Bethel of Clive; his nieces and nephews, Katie Harmeyer of New York, Charlie Harmeyer of Des Moines, Mary (Nic) Stumbo of Waukee, Claire Harmeyer of New York, Jack Bethel of Minneapolis and Holly Bethel of Clive.
The family wishes to acknowledge the staff at Methodist West Hospital for the years of exceptional care as well as the staff at Lutheran Hospital, who cared for Jim with such compassion during his final days.
Memorials donations may be directed to Dowling Catholic High School Athletic Department.