James "Jim" Todden

James "Jim" Milton Todden, age 78, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family at Eden Crest at Riverwoods in Des, Moines.

Jim was born on May 16, 1947 in Corydon, Iowa, the son of James Ronald and Audrey (Couchman) Todden. He graduated schools from Indianola High School with the class of 1965. After high school, Jim went to Iowa City and took courses in litheographics. After his time in college, Jim joined the United States Army. He was honorably discharged for his service to our country in 1969.

During Jim's time in the service, he started writing letters to an old friend named Linda Owens. On October 17, 1970 Jim married Linda, and together they shared almost 55 years of marriage and raised four beautiful children: Jessica Rae, Zachary Ryan, Meghan Renee, and Alex Randall Lee. Jim loved to joke that Linda was older than him, even though it was only by a day.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed reading about trains and planes, learning about history, especially the World War II era, watching John Wayne movies, and watching wresting on TV with his son, Alex. He also liked to collect clocks, and loved to eat a good meal. Jim worked at the V.A. in Des Moines in the kitchen, he started at the bottom, and after 45 years retired as one of the head cooks.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Jessica Rae Todden, Zachary Ryan (Jenny) Todden, Meghan Renee (Jeff) Todden-Sunga, Alex Randall Lee Todden; grandchild, Lucas Todden; step-grandchildren, Jackson Sollenberger and Alyssa Sunga; sister-in-law, Debbie Wilson, and other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Linda Rose Todden, and brother-in-law Richard Owens.

Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, starting at 4:00PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Pastor Ross Blount will be officiating. Memorials in honor of Jim can be made to Linda Todden to determine at a later date and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home Attn: Todden Family 303 E. Jefferson Corydon, IA 50060. Condolences may be shared on our website at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.