James Alexander "Jim" Vickery

Honoring the fact that he visited every U.S. state and territory and explored 101 countries, the family of James Alexander (Jim) Vickery wishes him a journey of comfort and a bon voyage. Jim passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at his home at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Des Moines, Iowa. Born November 30, 1931, to Kate Greenleaf and Edwin Charles Vickery, Jr., he was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin, and his "sister" Veda Ponikvar. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he met Dorothy (Dee) Gross, who became his partner in a remarkable 72-year marriage filled with adventure. They met during a 1947 "Spanish Club" outing to the El Patio restaurant, which they continued to patronize throughout their lifetimes.

Jim is survived by Dee, four children; Debbie (Bill Irey), Susan (Ted Hussar), Jennifer (the late Brian Thurn), and Stephen (Sharon Heithoff Vickery): eight grandchildren, Ben (Carolyn Aler) Irey, Jennifer (Pete) McGowan, Samantha (Alper) Tuken, Hunter Thurn, Sam (Taylor) Vickery, Kate Thurn, Ksenia Vickery, and Walden Thurn: and six great-grandchildren - David and Flynn Irey, Everett and James McGowan, and Perry and Sloane Tuken. All brought him much pride and joy. In addition, Uncle Jim enjoyed his nieces, nephews, and their children. He was the ringleader for many family trips and gatherings that featured his homemade ice cream and famous waffle brunch.

Jim emphasized education, whether formal or experiential. He was curious, well-informed, an early adopter of technology, and a role model for engaged citizenship. Jim attended Grinnell College for two years before graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism in 1953. At Iowa, he developed his fondness for creative writing. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Business Manager of The Hawkeye yearbook, and was later honored as the University of Iowa "Dad of the Year" in 1980. He served two years in the U.S. Army.

Jim devoted 47 years to IMT Insurance, where he rose to President and Board Chair. Co-workers were very important to him, and he was happy to mentor and promote colleagues. He was enthusiastic about IMT's County Mutual connections and established the slogan, "Be Worry Free, with IMT." Under his leadership, IMT hosted The Bill Riley Talent Search on KRNT-TV and set up elaborate, interactive displays at the Iowa State Fair. He retired in 1995 so he could pursue his passion for travel with Dee and their many friends.

A man of faith, Jim was a founding member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines and, more recently, a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Des Moines. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Consistory, the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, the Royal Order of Jesters, as well as the Des Moines Pioneer Club.

Jim lived the Rotary International motto, "Service above self," giving generously of his time to numerous civic organizations, including the Better Business Bureau of Iowa, the Des Moines Symphony Association, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, the Rotary Club of Des Moines (District Governor, District 6000), United Way of Central Iowa, Wesley Life Senior Active Living, the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame at the Iowa Historical Museum, Des Moines Public Library Foundation, Des Moines Community Playhouse, Salisbury House Foundation, Living History Farms, Youth Homes of Mid-America, American Red Cross, Children and Families of Iowa, and The Salvation Army. He found great satisfaction in getting to know people of all ages and walks of life, particularly the Rotary Youth Exchange Students hosted by his family.

One of the remarkable attributes of Jim was his memory; his gift for remembering people, places, and dates was a wonder. He cared deeply about his family and friends. He enjoyed a good laugh, movies, musical performances, collecting art, the St. Louis Cardinals, and hosting Dee's May birthday that often coincided with the Kentucky Derby. The entire Vickery and Gross families have benefited from Jim's love, enthusiasm, and loyal companionship. He will be missed, but remembered in so many ways.

Jim's parting wisdom echoes that of his birth-date buddy, Mark Twain. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." His family and friends will honor that spirit by traveling, learning and living fully, as he always did.

A private funeral service and inurnment will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral. A "Celebration of Jim" will be announced at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's memory to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, West Des Moines, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Des Moines, the Des Moines Symphony, or a charity of your choice.

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