Chuck B. Jarnagin

Chuck Jarnagin, age 91, of Newton, Iowa passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Services will be held at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Visitation will be from 12 - 2 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. and burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

Chuck was born on March 26, 1932, to Hubert Jarnagin and Helen (Van Baren) in Monroe, Iowa. He was a member of the Newton High School class of 1950. Chuck excelled in sports all four years of high school. At the time, The Des Moines Register said, “It is difficult to describe with words the grace and poise Chuck displayed on a basketball floor.” In 1950, he held every Newton High School basketball scoring record for a single game, season, and career. Chuck was 1st Team All-State and in 1950 the Des Moines Register named him the number one high school forward in Iowa.

One of his greatest achievements was being inducted into the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979. Chuck was passionate about sports and being an Iowa Hawkeye. He has made and broken records and his achievements are richly deserved.

Turning down a contract with the Cleveland Indians to play baseball he accepted a scholarship to the University of Iowa to play basketball. Here he would become a three-year starter for the Hawkeyes and was elected captain of the team his senior year. Chuck was born to the game of basketball. He possessed that indescribable quality that made the game electrifying and exciting for the spectator. In 1954, Chuck graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Following college, Chuck married Mary Bickell, a Newton High School graduate of the class of 1948. Chuck also served two years in the U.S. Army. During this time, he played basketball and was named 1st Team All-Army NW Region.

Chuck worked in various sales positions throughout his career, eventually working up to Vice President at Cooper Tools before he retired in 1993. Chuck then moved back to Newton to work with one of his best friends, Gary Forbes, at Forbes Office Solutions, where he retired a second time in 2013.

Chuck had a sharp wit and great sense of humor that along with his storytelling built an instant connection with everyone he met.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Mary who passed away in 1990. Left to cherish his memory are his children Brad Jarnagin (Jackie), Amy Jarnagin, and Greg Jarnagin (Anne); his grandchildren Hallie (Nick), Riley, Daly, Maryann, and Chase; and his great-grandchild Flora.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Wesley Life Hospice and Jasper County Elderly Nutrition.