James Edward Kent Sr.

James Edward Kent, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 in Bettendorf, Iowa at the age of 68. Jim was born on September 30th, 1953 in Davenport, Iowa to Eugene and Florence Kent, and grew up in Corona, California and Renton, Washington. After a stint in the United States Navy he settled into life as a mechanic in the heavy equipment and aerial lift industries, eventually putting down roots in Des Moines, Iowa. In the summer of 1992 he met Donna Strable, and on November 30th, 1994, joined her in a marriage that lasted more than 27 years. He retired in 2017 in order to make the most of the remainder of his life. In his younger years, Jim was an avid pool player and self-taught woodworker. He could often be found in his shop working on projects for family and friends, or pushing the limits of his skills to beautify his home. He loved watching movies, especially with family, and most especially if they involved 007. He was a lifelong lover of music, instilling the same virtue in his two sons at the earliest of ages. While they would grow up to have their own favorites, for Jim, it never got any better than Boston. Those of us left with his memory include his wife, Donna; sister, Peggy Hall; sons, Jim, Jr. (Danielle) and Jason (Allisha); stepson, James Shelton, Jr.; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 5 brothers-and-sisters-in-law; and 19 nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Bebout. Condolences may be left online at www.rungemortuary.com.