James H. Waters

Ankeny - James Harold Waters, 78, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on December 30th, 2018 peacefully surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., January 5, 2019 at Ankeny Memorial Gardens (4208 North Ankeny Blvd) with graveside service to follow. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Pastor Owen Cayton of Ankeny Christian Church will be officiating.

James was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 24th, 1940. Jim lived his early years on the east side and attended Brooks Elementary where he acquired a lifelong love of the Iowa State Fair. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. Jim attended Grandview College, the University of Iowa, and Drake University. He graduated in June of 1968 with a BA in political science from Drake University. He then attended law school and graduated from Drake in May of 1971.

Jim married Susan Reiling on May 14th, 1988; they were married 30 years. As a child he was very involved with boy scouts. He loved his 1940 Ford, football, NASCAR, dogs, cats, and spending time with family and friends. Everyone who Jim came in contact with became a good friend. He was the kindest man and would help anyone at any time. He spent his free time traveling to car shows, races, and ISU games. He was a member of the Elks club of Ankeny, Iowa Bar Association, Doberman Pinscher Club, and The Hot Rod Association.

James is survived by his daughter, Jean (James) A. Glentzer; two stepsons Jesse (Danna) Saathoff and Ryan (Rosie) Saathoff; and 7 grandchildren Traci (Chris) Glentzer, Alyssa, Caden, Joe Jack, Calvin, Mary, and Canton.

James is preceded in death by his wife Susan Jane (Reiling) Waters, parents, James Henry Waters and Tillie Matilda Tipton, and sister, Agnes Waters.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to two of Jim's favorite organizations; Doberman Pinscher Club of Greater Des Moines (301 North Street, New Virginia, IA 50210) or Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc; Attn: Donations-5452 NE 22nd Street Des Moines, Iowa 50313.

Online at www.MemorialServicesOfIowa.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Jan. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Waters

Sponsored by Memorial Services of Iowa at Ankeny Memorial (MSI).

19 Entries

Amy Mulholland

December 6, 2019

My first memory of Jim was when I was about 6 years old and he was in our driveway with a van he had bought from my dad (Charlie Gripp). I was so scared of this giant guy and his 2 big Doberman's. He turned out to be one of the nicest guys and best lawyers I've ever known. He got my dad out of many tickets. He also became my lawyer and he was the best at his job. He always cared and was there whenever I needed advice. He was a great attorney and friend. He will be missed. RIP Jim.

Ted Engel

January 11, 2019

I knew Jimmy through the legal world. He was an established lawyer when I started. Jimmy was a nice guy and never took advantage of a young lawyer that didn't know a thing about the practice of law. As years past we had many cases together and he was always a pleasure to work with. Jimmy will be missed. The world would be a better place with with more Jimmy Waters in it. God bless you Jimmy.

January 5, 2019

you were a great man and we will miss you more

than you will ever know . you are with sue now so

both of you rest in peace

John Richardson

January 5, 2019

I will miss Jim,his legal advice his jokes. I Have known Jim for over 35 years. It's a very hard loss to know that his kind heart plus all that knowledge is gone to the heavens. I will miss you Jim alot!

Jill Harryman (Goodell)

January 4, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss
Jim was a good friend to my dad, Doug Goodell, for many years and I have a lot of fond memories of that time.

Mari Mansker

January 4, 2019

I am truly sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man and will be missed very deeply and I want to say jim, u can see mom now and thank u for being there

Angie Ramirez

January 3, 2019

Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was our families attorney for many years. He was always willing to help us out and provide any legal advice/services. He was a sweet friendly and funny guy that was loved by many.

RIP Jim

Avila Family

Alan Koufer

January 3, 2019

Jim was a big guy.....very big! He had to be, I guess, to house that big heart of his.

When my classmates and I began law school, not without a good measure of trepidation and anxiety, we were fortunate to have the Senior, Jim, who gladly went out of his way to "mother hen" and mentor us through the process. This didn't end with law school, either. Jim was a bright guy who knew what he was doing and out in the practice, if you needed advice from a peer, he was always a willing ear you could depend upon. I've been on the planet 70 years now and I've never met a nicer, kinder or more pleasant person to be around, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Jim.....miss you, buddy! Thanks for being my friend!!!

Kim Stamatelos

January 2, 2019

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing! He was a bright light in the legal community and I always enjoyed having cases and mediations with him. He always had a smile and was upbeat and truly cared about his clients. He will be missed.May God bless his family with strength and peace during this very sad time.

Charles and LuAnne Meeks

January 2, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Mr Waters was our attorney. He was always so very kind. Prayers to the family.

Dave Hays

January 2, 2019

May all the Dobies watch over you!

Daryl Lewis

January 1, 2019

Sorry for your loss he was a good friend

Mark Meeks

January 1, 2019

James you are a great friend a good attorney I'm going to miss you miss the times in the garage drinking from the bottle in the bottom cupboard tinkering with the 40 I'm going to miss them times they were fun give the wife kisses when you get there tell her I miss her too

Vicki/bob Berry

December 31, 2018

Well you got your wings way to early now you can supervise sue❤❤You had the biggest heart abd you always lioved a good joke and tell a good one too lol and a friend to all you told me I made best potatoe salad I wil think of you every time I make a bowl ,fly high mister waters you will be missed by many

Michael McMurry

December 31, 2018

This is in remembrance of my very dear buddy of 50 years. We began Drake law school together in 1968. We have had many enjoyable and humorous times in the years since. I never knew anybody who had more friends than Jim. I am very grateful that he and I visited one final time Sunday morning and just a few hours before he moved from labor to reward. You are a very special man, James Harold. Rest in peace, partner.

Connie Kappos

December 31, 2018

Jim and Sue have been friends for 20 years. Had great times having drinks to going to Puertao Vallarta. Always had great fun, laughs and good times. I leave for Jamaica on January 2 will not return until January 10. I will miss his funeral but will think of him and will have a number of drinks in his honor, will even have a rum and coke for him and I don't like rum! Jim and Sue were the kindness people I have ever known!

RIP Jimmy ( as Sue always called you)

Troyle Tognoli

December 31, 2018

It is so hard to lose one's parents. You feel as if you are not prepared. The truth is our parents start the day we are born, teaching us, to carry the legacy forward. And we do. Much LOVE and SUPPORT to you as you move forward.

Dan Thompson

December 31, 2018

Jim you were my attorney and my friend and I will truly miss you

David Diane Piombo

December 31, 2018

So sorry Jean. Really enjoyed talking with your father at the wedding. Praying for you. Love David and Diane

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