James E. Hemphill

James (Jim) Edwin Hemphill, 90, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. He was born on Nov. 25, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Keith and Eva (Jenks) Hemphill, and was an only child.

Jim was raised and attended school in Creston. He helped his parents at the Hemphill Hatchery and was active in high school band and basketball. Jim graduated from Creston High School in 1950 and was accepted into the Navy ROTC in 1951. Jim attended Simpson College and later transferred to the University of Idaho, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1955.

He was also commissioned as an officer in the Navy in 1955. Jim worked at Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before returning to the University of Idaho to teach and obtain his master’s degree. Jim moved to Marshalltown in 1964 after accepting employment with Fisher Controls where he worked for 28 years. A patent was issued in 1969 for a butterfly valve Jim invented and he retired in December 1992. Jim retired as a Commander from the Navy Reserve in 1981 after 30 years of service, including one year of active duty on the Navy destroyer USS Foss. His service in the Navy took him to numerous countries in Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Jim was briefly married and had a daughter in 1959. On June 29, 1968, he married Judith Allen McCann and gained four sons and one daughter, and they had two additional daughters together. In addition to helping raise his own eight children, Jim also helped raise 17 foster sons and hosted two foreign exchange students. He was a hardworking provider and role model.

Jim was an active member of Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. He was an elder, deacon, choir member, member of men’s group and participated on the committee which planned the building addition to the church. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the U.S. Naval Institute. He belonged to and actively participated in: Mid-Iowa Rock Club, the American Philatelic Society and Men’s Garden Club of America. He opened up his own property as part of the garden tours in 2016.

Jim enjoyed woodworking and construction projects and added an addition to his home as well as performed several home renovations. Jim loved his flowers and garden, creating his own backyard oasis. In recent years, Jim loved attending performances at Live on Stage, plays at the Marshalltown Community Theater, Marshalltown Men’s Chorus performances, concerts he won tickets to on the radio at the Iowa State Fair and symphony performances in Ames and Des Moines. Jim blessed everyone around him with his faith, service, and kind spirit.

Jim is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughters: Jenni (Jeff) Moorman of Ankeny, Karen (Tyler) Evans of Colfax, Linda Hemphill of Sanders, Arizona, and Cathy Hickok of Marshalltown; his sons: Don (Rhonda) McCann of Marshalltown, Dave (Debbie) McCann of Ankeny, Dan (Darlene) McCann of Carmel, Indiana, and Doug (Sheri) McCann of Marshalltown; 17 grandchildren – Erin Hickock, Chris (Amy) McCann, Matt McCann, Kelli (Jon) Lange, Mitch McCann, Bryan McCann, Ashley McCann, Chase (Erica) McCann, Natasha Kelderman, Tori Rigatos, Robert (Lacey) Kelderman, Kylie Moorman, Miles Israel, Evan Moorman, Bella Israel, Grant Moorman and Parker Moorman and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy and his parents, Keith and Eva Hemphill.

A visitation for Jim will be held from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jacob Rahrig officiating.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be directed to Central Christian Church - Missions. A military burial service will follow at 3 p.m. at Graceland Cemetery in Creston. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Jim and his family.

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