James "Jim" Conrath

James “Jim” Conrath, 79, of Des Moines, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

He was born November 9, 1946 in Des Moines to Doris and Audley Conrath.

Jim had lived in the Des Moines area for most of his life before moving to Waukee. He worked in the food industry for close to 30 years. He then went on to work for Des Moines Public Schools as a bus driver until his retirement in 2014. He was a proud veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Jim’s biggest joy was his family and the Lord. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan, and attended all of their sporting events. Jim enjoyed camping, racing, fishing, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears play.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Roger Conrath and Larry Conrath; and grandson, Jason Dunham.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Conrath; children, Dena (Jerry) Dunham and Sara (Mike) Anderson; grandchildren, Blake (Courtney) Dunham, Bryce (Lexi) Dunham, Emilee (Brandon) Houser, and Maura Anderson; great-grandchildren, Nora, Vivi, Mac, and Baby Houser on the way; and siblings, Audley Conrath and Carol Winget.

The family will be greeting friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a service held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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