James "Jim" Edward Rychel

James Rychel
Des Moines, Iowa

With profound sadness we announce the passing of James Rychel, age 90, on January 26, 2026. Jim was a well-known community member in Highland Park ,where he resided for 70 years.

Jim died in his home from complications to the heart. He was born on October 9, 1935, in Chicago, IL to Benjamin and Emma Rychel. He lived in Chicago until age 18 when he left home to attend Drake University. There, he met Shirley Brownbridge and married in 1955; they had four children.

He later married Marilyn Wood in 1981 and helped with the upbringing of five stepchildren.

Jim was active in Highland Park baseball and coached his son’s Little League teams for 8 years. He was active in the North High Booster Club and an active member at Grandview Lutheran Church.

Jim owned a medical supply store located in downtown Des Moines for many years. From there, he was a tax preparer, working for Mr. Tax. Jim also co-owned Marilyn’s Lounge. In his later years he worked for the Iowa Lottery until he retired in 2010. After retirement, he continued to prepare Income taxes, up until the age of 89, through his own business, Rychel Tax Services.

In his spare time, Jim liked a good casino, whether local or just a road trip away. And depending what ”sport” season it was, you would find Jim in front of the TV supporting his Chicago Cubs, the Bears, or the Iowa Hawkeyes. Oh, let us not forget the beloved, Catlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

He is survived by children from his first marriage, Valerie (Thane) Davis, Ron (Blanche) Rychel, and Leslie Rychel. Surviving stepchildren, Gary Wood, Timothy Wood, Howard (Toni) Wood and Tanya (Kim) Wood. Together he has 13 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie McClement, his wife, Marilyn and stepson Donald Wood

Visitation and Funeral services will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, on Friday, February 6th, with visitation at 1 pm, followed by his memorial service at the funeral home at 2 pm. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made directly to the family, where some will be going to care for his best buddy, Dakota.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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