John Langdon Timmons

1946 - 2021

John Langdon Timmons
John Langdon Timmons, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on February 16, 2021, ending a five-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
He was born on November 2, 1946 in Washington D.C. to John Francis and Dorothy Langdon Timmons. He grew up in Ames, IA and graduated from Ames High School in 1964.
His collegiate career began at Loras College where he attended three years before transferring to Iowa State University and earning a B.S in economics. After graduation in 1968, he joined the Peace Corps and served two years in the Philippines working in regional economic development.
In June 1970, he was inducted into the U.S. Army, and on November 7, married Kathleen Erickson in Fairmont, MN. They spent the next two years in Germany where John worked as a legal clerk in the Judge Advocate General Corps Office. It was there that he became inspired to pursue a career in law.
He received his J.D. from the University of Iowa in 1975 and began his career as a law clerk in Minnesota District Court in Faribault, MN. He returned to Ames in 1976 and joined the Pasley and Singer Law Firm where he practiced as a trial attorney until his retirement in December 2016.
John generously denoted his time, resources, and legal skills in support of numerous philanthropic and professional organizations. He was especially passionate in his advocacy for persons with intellectual disabilities. He served on various boards, among them the Iowa Association of Justice, Ames Education Foundation, and Arc of Story County.
As a conservationist and wildlife enthusiast, he loved retreating to the mountains and marshes where he could enjoy wilderness solitude and hunt elk and waterfowl. His appreciation for the grizzly bear, exuberant personality, booming voice, determination, and fierce competitive spirit, earned him the nickname of "Griz".
During his time in the Peace Corps and military, he travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Western Europe. He was a voracious reader who also liked to play guitar and sing, participate in sports, and take cross-country trips on his motorcycle.
Above all, he was a devoted family man who fully embraced his role as loving husband and father, "Big Uncle John" to 20 nieces and nephews, and guardian for his sister, Theresa, who proudly introduced him as "my brother, my guardian, and my lawyer".
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen; sons: James Timmons of Minneapolis, MN, Erik Timmons and Christopher Timmons, both of Ames; brothers: Bill (Donna) Timmons of Port Charlotte, FL, Senter (Phyllis) Timmons of Thayne, WY, and David (Marilyn) Timmons of San Diego, CA; sisters: Theresa Timmons of Sauk Rapids, MN, Nancy (Larrry) Eisinger of Fergus Falls, MN, and Josie (Scott) Josif of Castle Rock, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dottie Timmons; and daughter-in-law, Sheila Onzere.
Due to COVID, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for John's family at www.adamssoderstrum.com.
Memorials in John's name may be directed to Ames Education Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or Arc of Story County and cards may be mailed to The Family of John Timmons c/o Adams Funeral Home, P.O. Box 745, Ames, Iowa 50010.