James " Jim " P Saul was born in Portland, Oregon in 1944. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa and then lived in Des Moines. He was residing at the Senior Suites when he left this world on March 4th, 2024.
Survivors include Christy, his wife of nearly 50 years, as well as two brothers, George Saul (Marilyn) and David Cone (Ruth).
After high school graduation, Jim enlisted with the Air Force and completed two tours of duty. He was stationed at a Surveillance Radar site in Murphy Dome, Alaska. Activities there involved computer maintenance and feeding canteen honey to baby bears.
Many years later, Jim enlisted in the Iowa National Guard Reserve. He was in an Airborne Unit and graduated from Jump School at 44 years of age. Awards he gathered included Soldier of the Year and first place for marksmanship in the Governor's 10. His rank at retirement was Master Sergeant with 20 years of service.
Jim also attended Grandview College and Drake University. He graduated with a BFA in 1976. With multiple talents came multiple careers. One favorite involved carpentry. In particular, he found great satisfaction in antique restoration work on houses in Sherman Hills. He also enjoyed his position as Driver Manager at a local trucking company. Low lighting and classical music were part of his office decor. Upset drivers arrived angry but quickly calmed down as Jim sorted out their problems.
His hobbies included cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, reading. drawing, painting, and taking lots of photos. Jim was always happy to help anyone, be they friend, relative, neighbor or acquaintance, with any task. Animals played an important part in Jim's life. He loved every pet, foundling, and outside critter (his word), he ever encountered. Jim Saul was a kind and caring man with a sharp sense of humor. His presence is sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. at 3pm. We will meet at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, Iowa 50310.
If so desired, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.
