James Lee Hedden

James Lee Hedden, 73, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife Diane, his son Jeff, his elder brother Robert (Jeannie), their daughters and grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law Lu Jeppesen.

Jim was born in Oskaloosa, IA on November 1, 1948 to Floyd Wilson and Helen Ethera (Tuttle) Hedden. He attended grade school and junior high in Oskaloosa and his hometown remained a fond memory and point of pride throughout his life. However, his young adult life really began when his family relocated to Ames in 1962. There he graduated from Ames High in the class of 1966 and continued pursuing his education with classes at both Boone Junior College and Iowa State University.

While Jim originally had his sights set on a teaching degree, his work and life experiences would give him a taste of where his real talents and passions lay: sales. In 1974 those talents would lead him to manage the TEAM Electronics store on Main Street in Ames. That same year he met Diane Hassebroek, a young woman who had moved to Ames from Sioux City to pursue her career as a travel agent for Travel and Transport, Inc. In 1975, Jim became the Branch Manager for Mid-State Distributing’s Ames location. One year later he and Diane were married.

The next big move for the pair would come in 1977 when the company relocated Jim to the Mason City branch. It was in Mason City where they joyfully brought their son Jeff into the world in 1980. Between Diane, Jeff, Mid-State, and their investment endeavors, the pace of Jim’s life was set and he spent the rest of his life with them all, culminating with the family’s purchase of the company in 1987 and their final move to Des Moines.

Jim was a friend to all and always enjoyed bringing people together to have a great time. He was the ultimate entertainer and had a talent for encouraging the mischievous side in others. However, he was also often the voice of reason for anyone looking for advice, and would always do his best to help a friend in need.

He was a passionate car enthusiast and enjoyed sharing his love for cars and driving with friends. The Family was a huge supporter of Road Rally Charities from its beginning in 2006. Jim found particular enjoyment every year in Rally by hosting the pre-Rally parties for participants and their families. He loved kids and always made a point to make them feel included with special games and gift bags.

His family hopes you will share in the visitation on Friday, October 21 from 6-8 pm at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel (801 19th St. in West Des Moines). A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, October 22 at McLaren’s followed by a Celebration of Life at the “Shed” (1050 SE Olson Dr. in Waukee, IA) where lunch will be served. Please join us for continued fellowship and sharing of personal stories about Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider honoring Jim’s memory through a charitable contribution supporting what he loved: Furry Friends Refuge, or Children’s Cancer Connection. Jim will be missed by many.