James W. Harkin

James W. Harkin (Jim) was born April 12, 1925 in Chrurchville, Iowa to Joseph and Julia (Waldron) Harkin. He passed away on June 14, 2015 in Urbandale, Iowa. Upon graduation from Norwalk Public High School, Jim entered the U.S. Army in 1944. He served in the European Theater during World War II. He returned home after the end of the war and married Ella Frances Maher on April 28, 1951. They were married for 64 years and raised seven children while residing in Cumming, Iowa. Jim worked in the meat industry for more than forty years. He was a member of Cumming Legion Post # 562 and the Knights of Columbus. Jim loved a nice game of golf and a great game of cards. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Joseph, Pete, John, Ed and Cyril; two sisters, Veronica and Martina. Jim is survived by his wife Ella and his sister Nora Kirvin of Des Moines. He is also survived by four sons Greg (Lois), Vernon, Kenneth and Jeffrey (Shani) and three daughters, Mary Jo Kasper (Greg), Jeanette Bonney (Jim), Doris Linn (Mike), fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held Wednesday June 17, 2015, 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home 8201 Hickman Road. A rosary service will follow at 6:30 P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday June 18, 2015, 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church West Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Johns Cemetery in Cumming, Iowa. The family would like to thank Urbandale Health Care Center, Unity Point Hospice and the VA Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion.