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James T. Stark

June 12, 1929 - November 23, 2022

James, “Jim” Timothy Stark, 93, of West Des Moines passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022.

A visitation will be held for Jim, November 30, 2022 from 9:30 -11:00 a.m. at St. Augustin Catholic Church (545 42nd Street, Des Moines), of which he was a lifelong member. A mass of Christian burial will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Jim was born June 12, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Margaret Stark. He attended Dowling Catholic High School and graduated from Drake University.

In 1952 he was drafted into the army, serving during the Korean War. Due to his mad typing skills, he was stationed in New York City, where he attended and enjoyed football games and many Broadway shows, with his favorite being Guys and Dolls.

Upon returning home to Des Moines, Jim began his teaching and coaching career, teaching drivers ed at both Hoover and Roosevelt High School. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Kathleen Curry, after seeing her picture in the newspaper. Jim and Kathleen were married June 6, 1959, and continued to expand their family, having a son, Jim, and daughters, Jeanne and Susan. Jim’s proudest title was father of three and Kathy’s husband. He loved and adored her for 63 beautiful years.

Jim was a devoted teacher and coach to not only his own children and grandchildren but to his many students, basketball players and golfers who were fortunate enough to thrive under his guidance. He spent many enjoyable years coaching the Hoover Huskies basketball team as well as the boy’s and girl’s golf teams.

Jim was an avid sports fan, an amazing basketball player and a tremendous golfer. He could often be found on the golf course or cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes or Dowling Maroons.

His love of sports carried on to his children, all of whom were taught by him the skills of basketball and a 3-point shot, in his backyard on 56th Street.

Jim adored his six grandchildren and never missed a game or event throughout the years, supporting them and cheering them on endlessly.

He was also a passionate fisherman, whether it be during the annual family vacation on Gull Lake in Minnesota, or in Canada with his countless friends.

Our “Papa” will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his love of sports and his tremendously dry and wonderful sense of humor.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy of West Des Moines; his daughters, Jeanne (Dave) Harmeyer of West Des Moines, and Sue (John) Bethel of Clive; and his grandchildren, Katie Harmeyer, Charlie Harmeyer, Mary (Nic) Stumbo, Claire Harmeyer, Jack Bethel and Holly Bethel. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret; his brother, Charlie; and his son, Jim.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Dowling Catholic Athletic Department.