Laurence Mcmichael

Laurence James (Jim) McMichael passed away on March 29 at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center in Des Moines at the age of 94. Jim was born in Des Moines to Henry and Clara (Eveler) McMichael. He attended All Saints School, Dowling High School (’45), and Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jim met Janet Greer at The Bankers Life, where they both worked, and were married in 1957. They have five children: John, Margaret, Patti, Mary, and Tom. Jim was a devout Catholic and he and Janet were long-time members of St. Theresa Parish. Jim worked his entire career at The Bankers Life/The Principal, retiring in 1991 after 37 years. In retirement, he and Janet enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as trips to Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Caribbean Sea. He was a highly skilled craftsman, using his skills to completely transform the unfinished basements in their homes. He excelled in everything from framing and electrical to mechanical and finishing work. Jim held numerous volunteer positions over the years. He taught adult reading at Drake University; conducted Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) sessions throughout the state, recognized with the Iowa Volunteer of the Year Award; and served as a greeter at Mercy West Hospital in West Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings – sisters Mary (Marty) Farley and Delores (Dode) Potthoff, brother Chuck McMichael, and brothers-in-law William Potthoff and Richard Farley. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; his five children, John, of West Des Moines, Margaret, of Baton Rouge, LA, Patti, of Ackley, IA, Mary, of Kansas City, MO, and Tom, of Dallas, TX; sister-in-law Sheila McMichael; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at St. Theresa Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road, Tuesday, April 5, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a wake service from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center for the loving care Jim received during his time there. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Theresa Foundation or the DMARC Emergency Food Pantry.