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The Life of JAMES MICHAEL MCCABE

Jim was born September 22, 1939, in Des Moines, to Charles & Ardia McCabe, and passed away November 14, 2013, at Mercy Westlakes Hospital in West Des Moines. He attended school at Adams, St. Joseph’s, and graduated from Dowling in 1958. While in high school he worked at Prugh Grocery near his home. It was at Prugh that he met Loretta Godwin; they married in 1960 and had three children: Sue, Mike, and Deb. After graduation he started at John Deere Des Moines Works and joined UAW Local 450 where he served as Union Steward, Committeeman and Negotiator, proudly representing all members. He retired in 1998 after 40 years of hard work and dedication. Jim enjoyed being involved in his children’s activities. He coached Mike’s little league teams and helped with Deb’s softball team. His love of golf and playing cards over the years lead him to some very special friends. He really missed the game of golf and outings with ‘the guys’ after his heart attack and stroke kept him from playing. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and New York Yankees, never wavering even through bad times. Jim also enjoyed gambling as it was a relaxing time for him when he couldn’t do other things. He and his wife traveled to casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlan, Minnesota and Iowa. In his younger years, summers were spent camping and fishing on the Des Moines River with his dad, brother, son, sons-in-law, grandsons and nephews. They set up camp south of Sycamore Access and wonderful memories were made by all. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were so special to him, taking any opportunity he could to spend time with them, and laughing for many days after about their many antics. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Loretta; daughter, Sue Sorensen (Dennis); son, Mike McCabe (Terri); daughter, Deb Sturm; 11 grandchildren, Tim Sorensen (Stephanie), Kristen McLaughlin (Ryan), Abbie Sorensen, Kristen Schiaffino, Sarah McCabe (Colton Fors), Milisa Tyler (Jason) Stephanie Bos (Ryan), Tiffany Mercer (Paul), Christa Webb, Jimmy Webb (Jessie), and Chad Sturm; 21 great-grandchildren, Keythe, Zayvier, Cole, Aidan, Jordan, DJ, Alisia, Alyssa, Lauren, Adriana, Christopher, Daniel, Carter, Gracie, Hunter, Noah, Cennedy, Jersie, Chevelle, Mason, and Journie; sisters, Myrtle Stoops (Judy), Rose Bolten, and Cathy Berry (Jim); and his brother, Charles McCabe (LaVonne). He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Charles and Mary McCabe, and Fay Solomon; in-laws, Don and Marjorie Godwin; brothers-in-law, Marion Stoops, Jack (Butch) Godwin, and Jim Bolton; as well as his great-grandson, Timothy Sorensen Jr. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 E. 1st Street in Ankeny, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Lupus Foundation in loving memory of Jim.

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