L. James Ekeland, 79, died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at his home in Urbandale, Iowa. He was born on April 21, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jim graduated from Perry High School in 1960 and continued his education at Drake University in Des Moines.
He was employed by Oscar Mayer Foods for nearly 30 years in Davenport and Perry and Madison, Wisconsin, as a food technologist, foreman and buyer.
Anyone who knew Jim would tell you he was kind and generous, and that his greatest joy was making people smile. Jim loved his family and treasured every moment spent laughing and telling stories.
Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Maureen; his children, Chris (Melanie) Ekeland of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jennifer (Joel) Ruggle of Waukee; five grandchildren, Scott (Katie) Lipovac of Overland Park, Kansas, Lisa (Brian) Graves of Prairie Village, Kansas, Kane Ekeland of Ottawa, Kansas, and Katie and Gus Ruggle of Waukee; two great-granddaughters, Olivia Graves and Kailani Lipovac; his sister, Susie Clouser of Waukee; and his much loved nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ekeland of Huxley and Trena Cuthbertson of Perry; his brothers in-law, Mike Clouser, and Clarence “Butch” Murphy; nephew, Stacey Murphy, and his sister-in-law’s husband, Larry Killmer.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Gastro Grub and Pub at 1378 E. Hickman Rd. in Waukee from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13. His family will be present and invite you to come share a memory and maybe a story or two in his honor.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or a charity of your choice. If you’re a flower person, Jim would suggest that you buy flowers for someone you love.
