Michael James Cameron

Mike was born in Richmond, Virginia, on September 22, 1964, to James Cameron and JoAnne (Daniels) Cameron. The family, including Mark and Eric, moved to Des Moines from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to be closer to family, and Jim was offered a job with Xerox.

Mike graduated from East High School and started working part-time for the Monarch Food Services. He loved this work and just fit right in. After Mike graduated, Monarch offered him a sales job in Storm Lake, Iowa. Mike was very excited about this job offer and moved to Storm Lake, where he began a sales history and career with food sales and services.

Mike met Susan Hutchins in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1986, and they were married on August 12, 1989. Mike worked as a sales representative for Monarch Foodservice and then Midwest Foods of Omaha. He was an outstanding salesperson, and it was known that he “could sell ice to Eskimos.” His life motto was “work hard and play hard.”

Mike and Susan relocated to the Des Moines area in July 1997, and they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sarah Jo Cameron, on August 22, 1997. From day one, Sarah was the center of Mike’s universe. He loved children, and he was a “hands-on” father for Sarah her entire life until his passing.

Mike, also known as Mr. C, Mr. Mike, and Coach Nancy, coached Sarah’s little league softball team and Y League basketball team. All the team members loved him. In their family neighborhoods, every child and friend of Sarah knew Mr. Mike. He was known for throwing candy to them out of his car window, setting up camp for them in the backyard, taking them sledding, ice skating, horseback riding, and more.

Mike knew no strangers. He took an interest in everyone he met. He had many good friends and many especially close friends. He loved to hunt, fish, golf, and hunt morel mushrooms with his buddies. He also loved pets and was the beloved father to Bogie, Sugar and Spice—Siamese cats—and puppies Pepper and Lulu.

In 2010, Mike transitioned his sales career from wholesale foodservice to insurance. He continued to be successful, earning the national Rookie of the Year award from Farm Bureau Financial. He owned Cameron Insurance Agency until his passing.

His beloved daughter, Sarah Jo of Denver, CO; his mother, JoAnne Daniels of West Des Moines; his brother Eric of North Liberty; his brother Mark of Wes Des Moines; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family survive Mike. His father, James Cameron, and grandparents Albert and Inger K. Daniels and Al and Marion Cameron preceded him in death.

Mike lived his life for all those he loved. He was the life of the party and could bring a smile to anyone’s face or brighten their day. He was compassionate and compulsive. He packed more living into 55 years than most do in a 100. So many friends will miss him and cherish the wonderful memories of Mr. C.