James Merle Mincks

James Merle Mincks

Tucson, AZ

James Merle Mincks, 89, formerly of Des Moines, IA, passed away on February 8, 2013 at Avalon SW Care Center in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Hiteman, IA on December 15, 1923.

James was the fourth oldest of nine children born to Fred Edward, Sr, and Nettie (Smead) Mincks. He entered the Army in March 1943, was discharged in February 1946. After the war, he worked as a custodial worker for Drake University, and at the Fairground Cafe. He married Doris Rae Howard in 1952, they later divorced. In 1984, he married Mary Lou Lester in Des Moines, IA, and they moved to Tucson in 1985.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing, a son, James Eugene (Gail P James) Mincks; brother, Bill "Charlie"; sister, Alice (Willard) Erickson; sister-in-law, Clara B Mincks; his first wife, Doris Rae (Howard-Mincks) Ackelson; nieces, Linda Kay Hendricks, Kathy Bohlen, Wynette Wright; nephews, Fred E. Mincks, Keosauqua, IA, Edward Dixon, James Mark Mincks, David Erickson and Carl Erickson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Cyrus C. Mincks, John and Mary Ellen Smead; brothers, Fred Edward, Jr.(WWII), Phillip Edward, Thomas L, Harry Dean and George Patrick; sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie Mae (Edward B) Dixon; his second wife, Mary Lou (Lester) Mincks; three sister-in-laws; three nieces; one nephew.

Per his wishes, no services are planned, cremation rites will be accorded, and burial will be in the National Memorial Cemetery, in Phoenix, AZ, next to his second wife, Mary Lou.

All memorial contributions are to be directed to his son, at 504 E. Hillside Avenue, #312, Des Moines, IA, 50315-4738.