Jim Mumford

Jim Mumford, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2015, from injuries sustained in an accident at the home he loved and loved to work on. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 17, 2015, at the Jackson Building on the Madison County Fairgrounds in Winterset, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the National Great Pyrenees Rescue. Online condolences may be left for the family at ochiltree.com. James Richard Mumford, son of J.C. and Ruth Mumford, was born on November 5, 1936 in Atkins, Iowa. Jim was a proud graduate of Iowa State University and earned his law degree from Harvard University Law School. Jim was united in marriage with Melody White on April 25, 1986 in Winterset, Iowa. Jim had served the insurance industry in various capacities since 1965. He started in private practice before he became counsel with Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa in 1970. Jim started his own firm in 1976, joined ING Americas as a Chief Counsel in 1997, became counsel with Nyemaster, Goode, West, Hansell & O’Brien Law Firm in 2003 after retiring from ING, and served as First Deputy Commissioner of the Iowa Insurance Division from 2005 until earlier this year. Jim was active with National Organization of Life and Health Guaranty Association (NOLHGA) serving as a member of various committees as well as being a member of the Board of Directors for 6 years (chair 1 year), was active with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) on behalf of his clients, and was active representing member companies of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). He also found time to serve on the Board of the Child Guidance Center at Blank Hospital for a number of years. In his free time, Jim enjoyed woodworking, reading, working outside on the acreage, cheering on his beloved Iowa State Cyclones, and being with his Great Pyrenees dogs. Above all else, Jim cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and numerous close friends. He leaves his wife of 30 years, Melody Mumford of Winterset; his son, Tom Mumford and his wife, Lane of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Joy Mumford and her husband, Dan McIlmail of Tacoma, WA; son, Marshall McMullen and his wife, Jessie of Simpsonville, SC; daughter, Whitney Banks of Washington D.C; his sister, Donna Scheer of Atkins; grandchildren, Meghan Mumford, Peyton Mumford, Shea McIlmail, Esmé McIlmail, Asher McMullen, Grayson McMullen, Amelie McMullen, other relatives, and a host of friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.