James Arthur Kinnan

James Arthur Kinnan obituary, West Des Moines, IA

James Arthur Kinnan

James Kinnan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by The Cremation Society of Iowa - Des Moines on Mar. 13, 2026.
James Arthur Kinnan, 80, passed away peacefully at the Des Moines VA Community Living Center on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born on November 9, 1944, in Carroll, Iowa to Roger and Anna Marie (Jones) Kinnan.

Jim grew up on a farm west of Churdan, Iowa and graduated from Paton-Churdan High School in 1963. Soon after, he joined the United States Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. His career was spent in the printing equipment industry as a salesperson and service technician in Des Moines where he lived. After retiring, he later moved to West Des Moines.

Jim entered into marriage with Patricia Hill on October 26, 1968. The couple had two children together and subsequently divorced in 1993.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed being a member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, playing on bowling teams, and rooting for the Iowa State Cyclones. He loved crossword puzzles, having coffee with friends, and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his sons Timothy (Donna) Kinnan and Brian (Joni) Kinnan; grandchildren Bryson Kinnan, Phoenix Kinnan, and Summer Kinnan; sister Lois (Marion) Carroll and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister (in infancy) Barbara Joyce Kinnan, and brother Keith Thomas Kinnan.

Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at the VA Central Iowa Health Care Hospital and Community Living Center for their care during Jim's last few months and days. Cremation arrangements are provided by the Cremation Society of Iowa.

A brief Celebration of Life and light luncheon will be held at 11:30 am on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Grand View Lutheran Church (2930 E 13th St, Des Moines, IA).

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

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