James Lewis Tonsi

James L. Tonsi, 96, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Born on September 30, 1929, in Williamson, Iowa, James was the son of Angelo “Charles” and Catterina “Irene” Tonsi. He grew up alongside his brother, Reno Tonsi. Both his parents and brother preceded him in death as well as great grandson Thomas Collum. Jim graduated from East High School in 1947 and joined the military in 1951. In June of 1956 Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ruth Whitfield. They had 2 sons, Charles and James and celebrated 52 years together until Mary’s passing in 2009.

Jim was a letter carrier with the U. S. Postal Service for most of his adult life, retiring in 1990. After retiring, he and Mary spent winters in Arizona where they had many close friends and thoroughly enjoyed the warm climate.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his sons, Charles (Laura) Tonsi and James (Patty) Tonsi, grandchildren Chuck (Cassie) Tonsi, John (Elizabeth) Tonsi, Angela (Darin) Collum, Sharonkay (Sean) Vance, Kristi (Dan Estrada) Mathis, great grandchildren Alexis (Billy) Torgerson, Chloe and Lydia Gebhart, Isabel Tonsi, Nadean and Jakob Williams, Angelo Tonsi, James, Elizabeth and David Collum, Shane, Shaden and Shianne Vance and great great grandson Grant Torgerson, as well as numerous relatives and friends who will cherish their memories of time spent with him.

A funeral service will be held on February 23, 2026, from 11 AM to 12 PM at Hamilton’s Southside Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street Des Moines Iowa. Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the service with a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery following the luncheon.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Des Moines branch of the Food Bank of Iowa.

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