James Vernon Spooner

Ankeny

James Vernon Spooner, passed away on June 27, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines of complications following surgery.

James was born June 16, 1926 in Elkhart, IA to Earl and Agnes Spooner. He was the oldest of three children. James graduated from White Oak High School in 1944, then entered into the Marine Corps and was stationed at El Toro Airbase in California.

James married Betty Williams in Alleman, Iowa and they were soon blessed with four sons. They began their life together farming in Cambridge, Iowa. He was also employed with Keck Trucking. James and Betty then moved their family to Ogden, Iowa and later settled on a farm in Greenfield, Iowa in 1968. In addition to farming, James enjoyed a 24 year career with John Deere Des Moines Works in Ankeny, Iowa.

Following retirement from John Deere and farming, James and Betty moved to Ankeny. James then drove a semi for Farmland Industries. In his retirement years, he also worked for Karl Chevrolet and Arnold Motor Supply.

James and Betty enjoyed 63 years of marriage. With their love of travel, they visited all 50 states and 11 countries around the world, including 10 years on their Gold Wing motorcycle. Together, they were avid sports fans never missing one of their grandchildren’s sporting activities, Iowa State Women’s basketball games, or Ankeny Hawk events.

James loved the outdoors, and in his free time enjoyed golfing, fishing and gardening.

James is survived by his wife, Betty, three children, Craig Spooner of Denison, IA, Dennis (Diane) Spooner of Spencer, IA, and Marty Spooner of Ankeny, IA; five grandchildren, Angela (Craig) Derby of Cambridge, IA, Jennifer (Mitch) Prashak of Ankeny, IA, Heather (Brandon) Vess of Tahlaquah, OK, Shelby Spooner of Denver, CO, and K.C. Spooner of Urbandale, IA; two step grandchildren, Amy (Kirk) Johnson of West Des Moines, IA and Eric (Jill) Bidwell of Marshalltown, IA; three great grandchildren, Breyonna and Tyler Vess and Hunter Derby; three step great grandchildren, Karson and Amiah Johnson and Jackson Bidwell; and one sister, Wilma Thompson of Ankeny, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Boatwright and his beloved son, Mark.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 30, at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. 1st Street. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 1, at Ankeny Funeral Home. Interment will be at Elkhart Cemetery.