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James Tesdall Obituary
Of New Virginia, Iowa
James R. Tesdall, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by his family. Jim was born to Mervin and Louise Tesdall on January 27, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jim graduated from Lincoln High School and grew up on the south side. Jim was Vice President of Midwest Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Co. for 40 years and retired in 2017. He was a proud Army Veteran and served two tours in Vietnam. Jim loved a good game of dice and could always be found with either a cup of coffee or a Bud Light in hand. He will be remembered most for his orneriness and his keen sense of humor. Above all, Jim loved his family, especially his grandkids.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sue Allen; children, James R. Tesdall, II (Erin), Shelly Eblen (Mick), and Jeff Allen (Kim); grandchildren, James R. Tesdall, III, Haley Sue Couch, JT Allen, Jacob Allen, and another on the way; brothers, Rick Tesdall (Sharon) and Jack Tesdall (Laura).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2017 at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, November 11th, at the funeral home with a Celebration of Life to follow.
Memorials may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Tesdall
Sponsored by Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home.
Scott A. Hatfield,AIA,IIDA
November 10, 2017
As an architect, I had the pleasure of working with Jim on many projects over several decades. He was always very professional. He was a great guy.
I am very sorry to hear about his passing.
My deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Gary Cornelius
November 10, 2017
Sorry to hear about Jim passing. Always enjoyed working on projects with Jim for many years /decades in our industry.
Michael and Patty Hraha
November 10, 2017
Jim was the most hard-working dedicated company man I ever knew Midwest will miss him I I looked up to him for what he did for the company.
Brian Lee
November 10, 2017
James (Jimmy) I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. Always heard a lot of good stories about your dad from you and Sammy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fred Oltrogge
November 10, 2017
To Jim's family: I went to high school with Jim and have a lot of good memories from those days. Jim drove a little Triumph Herald that I liked. Sorry to hear about his passing. Condolences to the family.
Denny Howell
November 10, 2017
Jim, I have a lot of great memories of all the fun times we had at Lincoln High and when we both got home from the military. Thank you for those memories. You will be missed Jim.
Linda Greenleaf Waalk
November 10, 2017
My Heart truly goes out to Jim's family & friends. Such a loss. I will always remember Jim's sense of humor! I remember when Jim played the guitar and we would sing and laugh, so many good times.
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Memorial Events
for James Tesdall
Nov
10
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home5400 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Nov
11
Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home5400 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home5400 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
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