James Graeber

Jim was born on January 15, 1946 in Rembrandt, Iowa and passed on December 14, 2020. He was raised on a family farm with his parents, brother Ray, and sister Martha. Together they operated the farm for decades, growing corn and soybeans each year. Growing up in rural Iowa, Jim learned to appreciate hard work, the importance of community, and how to be a good steward to the land. Jim graduated from Rembrandt School with a class of 18 students; he was always proud that he did not finish #18. “I did not know they were keeping track of grades until they lined us up at commencement by grade point average,” he was fond of remembering with his trademark smile and laugh. From there he attended Morningside College thanks to the influence of some friends and his ability to throw a pretty good curveball. He made lifelong friends while in college and also met his wife, Bonnie. Together they moved to Des Moines when Jim was hired at Callanan Middle School in 1968. Thus began his life’s work: nearly 40 years of service to Des Moines Public Schools. Perhaps the favorite stops in his career were as the principal of Moulton and Willard Elementary schools; he felt he made significant impact at these locations and in the community. While at Moulton he transitioned the building to a year-round calendar. Test scores improved significantly and he helped to harvest a loving and caring environment. Jim and Bonnie loved to travel and visited Australia, Costa Rica, much of Europe, Japan, South Africa, and nearly every state in the union; they also had passion for family reunions and national parks. Jim loved to get off the beaten path wherever he traveled. With friends or for business, he also ventured to Russia and Peru. Jim brought people together. He made the tee-times, organized the reunions, and got the ball rolling with friends and relatives for both formal and informal gatherings. In this way, he was often compared to his mother, Mary. Jim never said no to an invitation for coffee, conversation, concert, or a ballgame -- he mentored many and found such joy in connecting with others. He loved to golf with his buddies Corky, John, Paul, Bill, and countless others. He played poker with a motley crew of educators with the winner often pocketing well over $8 per session. Jim joined the “Young” Men’s Breakfast Club and was, at age 52, one of the youngest members. He cheered for Iowa State and Drake every basketball season, often going to two games in person per week with friends and family. Jim loved Blues on Grand, all live music, and supporting local musicians. The Greenwood Lounge was one of his favorite places to catch a band. In his 40s, he trained and then ran the New York Marathon. Jim served on many local committees, was passionate about local politics and, every caucus season, presidential elections. He was very proud to serve as precinct captain for President Obama during his 2008 campaign. Jim believed that systemic racism needed to be eradicated from our schools and the soul of our nation and he spent his life working on those endeavors. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ray (Janice). He is survived by wife Bonnie (Tyrpa), daughters Michelle (Joe), Jodi (Mark), son Ben (Amber), sister Martha (Bob), and many friends and relatives. Jim loved his seven grandchildren: Sydney (Devin), Joseph III, Sophia, Maia, Reid, Beckett, and Will. His first great-grandchild was born just a few weeks ago -- beautiful Avery. To honor Jim’s legacy, the family is establishing a scholarship that will help current and future North High School students pursue their dreams, whether it be college or other post-secondary plans. Please send checks addressed to Polar Bear Scholarship Fund to North High School, 501 Holcomb Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50313. Write “Jim Graeber Memorial” in the memo of your check. A celebration of life will take place the evening of October 16, 2021 at the clubhouse of Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines. Get your vaccine and we will see you there to celebrate Jim. To those battling Alzheimer’s, we are with you and we love you.