James Edward North, D.D.S.

 

James Edward North, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on January 13, 2025 at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Preston at age 95.

Jim was born June 11, 1929 to Clarence and Lela (Johnson) North in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, graduated from Des Moines North High School in 1947, and went on to earn a degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1953.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and on November 5, 1953 married Virginia L. (Jacobsen) North. The two moved to the Alaska Territory and Elmendorf Air Force Base, where Jim practiced dentistry and Virginia worked as a nurse. They hunted, fished, explored and often referred to those adventurous years as one long honeymoon.

After leaving the Air Force, Jim and Virginia moved to Des Moines and then Urbandale, Iowa, where they raised two daughters and lived contentedly for 67 years. Jim established his dental practice in downtown Des Moines, where he served patients for 38 years. He was an active member of the G.V. Black Dental Study Club and the Iowa Dental Association, and a professional known for his skill and kindness.

Jim was a man of curiosity and many interests. With Virginia he hiked, fished, camped, biked and enjoyed the outdoors well into his elder years. He was a licensed pilot, avid gardener, photographer, forager, taxidermist, music lover, furniture restorer, reader, and maker and fixer of many things. For more than 20 years he and Virginia enjoyed Sunday dances at Lake Robbins Ballroom and delighted in sharing that fun with their family.

Cars were a central interest in Jim’s life. He restored a Model A Ford coupe in the early 1960s, then a sedan as the family grew. Jim, Virginia and daughters Nancy Ann and Amy Sue found friendship in the Central Iowa Model A Ford Club, connecting with members over car repairs, vintage clothing, style shows and tours. For decades Jim was a learner, mentor, organizer and officer of the club.

Jim’s survivors include his wife, Virginia North; daughter Nancy North (John Gaddo); son-in-law James Knapp; brother-in-law David Norris; grandchildren Signe Jordet, Peter (Catherine) Jordet, Elise (Bruce) Phillips, Emily (John) Knapp Shambaugh, Jacob Knapp, Josie (Quinton) Thompson; great grandchildren Elliott Phillips, Graham Phillips, Kent Phillips, Mary Jordet, Lela Jordet, Vincent Thompson; and many faithful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jane Norris; and daughter Amy Knapp.

The family thanks Urbandale neighbors and Preston Veterans Home staff for care and compassion shown to Jim and Virginia in Jim’s final years. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Minnesota Veterans Home – Preston, 1864 First Minnesota, Preston, MN 55965. Memorial gifts may be made to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (eaglebluffmn.org/giving/).

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