James Scanlan

James “Jim” Charles Scanlan, age 78, of Denison, Iowa, passed away on June 20, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Ida Grove, Iowa, to James and Winifred (Paul) Scanlan, who lived in Odebolt and farmed land nearby. He was the sixth of seven children in a lively and devoted family that included two sets of twins. Jim was himself a twin—older than his brother by just three minutes—a fact his younger brother, John, never let him forget.

Jim graduated from Odebolt Arthur High School and attended Midwestern College in Denison before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served with honor as a Specialist 5 in Vietnam and was later stationed in Massachusetts and Germany. On May 3, 1969, he married the love of his life, Pamela Kennebeck, whom he met on a double date—but with the opposite people—beginning a life together that lasted more than 55 years.

After returning home from military service, Jim worked as a lineman electrician for Denison Municipal Utilities, where he earned journeyman status and was known for his dedication, work ethic, and skill.

A man deeply rooted in family, Jim’s greatest joy came from time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, a proud and supportive father, a doting grandfather, and a loyal friend to many across the community. He and Pam regularly traveled to support their grandchildren’s activities, whether in Des Moines or Virginia.

Jim generously gave his time as a Boy Scout leader, guiding young scouts through lessons in character, service, and outdoor adventure. He led trips to Camp Cedars and to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and his personal favorite—canoeing the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota with the boys and fellow leaders.

Jim also had a deep commitment to fellow veterans. For more than 20 years, he volunteered to drive veterans from Crawford County to the VA Medical Center in Omaha, making countless trips to ensure others received the care they needed. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He spent many peaceful days in the timber and on local farm ponds, always forging friendships with farmers and appreciating the beauty of the local countryside.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pam Scanlan; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Katya Scanlan and their sons, Jon and Cole; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Greg Schoessler and their daughters, Anna and Hallie; and siblings, Donna Nieland, Bob Scanlan, and Pat Scanlan. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, John Scanlan; brother, Tom Scanlan; and sister, Patsy Koster.

A visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, and his Memorial Service will follow at 10:30 a.m. all at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. A private burial with military honors will follow at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Fisher House located at the Omaha Veterans Medical Center or a veterans' organization of your choice. Jim believed in living life to the fullest, and his legacy is one of love, service, and quiet strength.