James Vanderpool

James Alexander Vanderpool, 83, of Des Moines, passed away at his home on Friday, December 1, 2017. He was born on May 22, 1934 in Trenton, Missouri, to Lloyd and Grace (Mantlo) Vanderpool.

Jim was a proud Navy Veteran and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He married Dorothy Ward on July 8, 1953, and together they were blessed with 64 years of marriage and one daughter, Linda Vanderpool. Jim was a Past Master of Capitol Masonic Lodge #110 and a member of Wakonda Christian Church.

Jim worked throughout his life as a butcher. He began his career working for A&P in upstate New York and Missouri. In 1958, Jim moved his young family to Des Moines and worked for many years as a butcher, dedicated to providing quality service to his loyal customers at Dahls Foods.

Upon his retirement, Jim devoted his time and attention to working side by side with his wife Dorothy in their catering business, Festive Foods. Festive Foods quickly earned a reputation throughout the Des Moines metro for providing consistently high-quality foods and service for a variety of occasions to a wide range of clientele.

Jim was passionate about life. He and Dorothy traveled extensively seeing the world together. He loved the jazz trumpet. Louis Armstrong was his idol, and he had an enviable collection of Armstrong’s early recordings. Jim was a devoted New York Yankees fan, saving ticket stubs from games attended over the decades. He also was a wine connoisseur, priding himself on a home collection of quality wines. In all things, he was quick to recognize and expect quality from himself and others—customer service, food/drink, music/entertainment.

Most of all, Jim loved and was devoted to his family. His wife Dorothy was his inseparable companion on all occasions. His daughter Linda gave him many moments of pride as he basked in her accomplishments as a talented musician and music educator. Nothing was too good for his “girls” and his love for them was deep.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers George and Robert Vanderpool. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Linda of West Des Moines, brother William (Betty) Vanderpool of West Des Moines, sister Mary Tharp of Herington, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017, at Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Drive in Des Moines. Jim will be laid to rest at Masonic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be left to the discretion of the family.

On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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