James Calder

For the livestreaming of Jim's service, please click on Tribute Wall above, then click on the link showing for his service. James “Jim” Calder, age 82, of Van Meter, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Methodist West Lakes Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Adel. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to the time of Mass, on Tuesday at the church. Burial will take place at a later date. For the full obituary, online streaming of the service or to place an online condolence, go to www.caldwellparrish.com Jim was born on March 18, 1939, in Scranton, Iowa, to Harold and Ethel Calder, and graduated from Scranton High School in 1956. On October 4th, 1958, he married Joyce Finnegan. Jim worked in the construction industry for many years, was the owner of Sam’s Downtown Tap for 10 years and finished his working career with VanPelt painting. Anyone who knew Jim knew that he lived life to the fullest. He fulfilled his dream by moving to the country, building a house, and creating a playground for his family in Van Meter, Iowa. He taught his children and grandchildren how to hunt, fish, garden, horseback ride, and enjoy the beauty of the country. Jim enjoyed being a member of the Knights of Columbus and numerous other projects throughout the years. Through Jim and Joyce’s kindness and hospitality, many felt that they were always welcomed. His light is still so bright, and will continue to shine through his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce; children, Terri Drew (Trevor Roach), Brad Calder, Lori Tibbetts, Julie Calder (Steve Wiederin), Lisa Miller, and Matthew Calder (Cindy Sinclair); sister, Kay O’Donnell; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and a host of other loving relatives and many special friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ethel Calder, and his sister Shirley Zenti; brother-in-laws Pete Stevens, Mike O’Donnell, and Mario Zenti; son-in-law, Rick Tibbetts and nephews Jeff Stevens, Mario Zenti, and Stephen Zenti. The family kindly asks that guests respect social distancing and COVID-19 protocol. Jim will be laid to rest at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Saint John’s Catholic Church in Adel, IA, or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/nca/donate).