James Sires

James (Jim) Dale Sires died Wednesday, October 11, 2023, of a cardiac event.  He was getting ready to attend coffee with his Glenstone neighbors, one of his many favorite things.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.  Family will receive visitors from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to mass.

Jim was born September 29, 1948, in Luxemburg, Iowa, to John and Thelma (Hansen) Sires, and he had just turned 75.  He grew up playing pool at the local pool hall, fishing at the river, hunting off the railroad tracks, and taking care of his 1957 Chevy and a couple of motorcycles.  In 1966 he graduated Algona High School, Algona, Iowa, started working at Snap-On Tools, and enlisted in the Army in 1968.  In 1970 he married Mary Jo (Becker) at St. Joseph’s in Wesley, Iowa.  She accompanied him to Heidelberg, Germany, for his last two years of service.  Through the years, Jim got an Associate Degree in Business from Iowa Lakes Community College, and attended Mankato State College.  Eventually they made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Jim owned Sires Screenprinting, Inc., selling printed wearables.  They traveled lots while in Europe and more in the states with family and friends, which was another of his favorite things.  He and Mary Jo retired to Glenstone Village in Grimes, Iowa, in 2011.

Jim was an avid bowler, scoring 300 three different times and once getting an 800 series.  He played a lot of golf in Cedar Rapids and, since retirement, played pool with his Glenstone buddies every Tuesday and attended a Rock Steady Boxing class twice a week, all his favorite things.

Most importantly, Jim’s greatest achievements were his kids and grandkids.  He and Mary Jo tried not to miss many school sporting or fine arts events.  His entire family all enjoyed a lot of bowling and playing pool.

Jim was happiest with family around and is survived by: Mary Jo (Becker) Sires, his spouse of 53 years. Children: Deanna (Patrick) Kueter, Johnston; Suzanne (Jon) Hughes, West Des Moines; Devin (Jill) Sires, Robins.

Grandchildren: Drew (Alexis) Kueter, Grimes; Jacob Sires, Ames; Libby Kueter, Johnston; Aubrey Sires, Robins; Ian Hughes, West Des Moines; Emerson Sires, Robins; Charlotte Sires, Robins.

Sisters and Brothers: Julie Daniels, Montgomery, Texas/Algona, Iowa; Laura Sires, Algona; John (Jan) Sires, Cedar Rapids; Jerri Sires, Algona; Joe (Debbie) Sires, Fenton. Sister-in-laws and Brother-in-laws: Len (Maureen) Becker, Council Bluff; Shirley (Larry) Rochleau, Algona; Bonnie Juhnke, Algona; Steve (Marcia) Becker, Algona; Julie (Tom) Norland, Algona; Kevin Becker, Cedar Rapids. And many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Thelma Sires; Mary Jo’s parents, Wilfred and Marjorie Becker; and his brother-in-law, Bob Daniels.

The family wishes to thank everyone at the Veterans Hospital and Community Learning Center of Des Moines for all they have done for Jim in the past years as well as all our family and friends who have prayed for him.  We are so blessed!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the benefit of the Des Moines Veterans Administration Community Living Center and the veterans in rehab.