James Polk Maish

James Polk Maish, 89, longtime State Center businessman and avid conservationist, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, October 22nd, at the State Center Nursing and Rehab Center. Public visitation for James will be held on Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home West Marshall Chapel in State Center where his family will be present to greet friends. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday October 30th at the United Methodist Church located in State Center, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jamess name to his family and will be given to the State Center United Methodist Church and the Marshall County Conservation Board. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call Ph. 641-483-2900. Born on March 3rd, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, James was the son of George and Norma (Watts) Maish. He graduated from the State Center High School. James served our country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII and went on to attend the University of Iowa. On June 20th, 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Mathers in State Center. After starting out together on a farm in northern Iowa, they made State Center their lifelong home. They owned and operated Maish Plumbing and Heating for over 50 years, where Jim took pride in his craftsmanship and being able to provide an important service to his friends and neighbors. Jims love for his family was always the center of his life and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim was an active and dedicated member of the community. Over the years he served as a Boy Scout leader, volunteer fireman and long-time member of the Marshall County Conservation Board, Central Iowa Ornithologists, and American Legion Harlan Pfantz Post#122. Jim served in leadership roles and continued to be active in the State Center United Methodist Church and the Lions Club. Jim often shared fond childhood memories of many outdoor adventures with his brother and grandparents, growing up on a farm on the banks of Big Spirit Lake. Those formative years helped shape the conservation ethic that he believed in and supported his whole life and that he shared with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you for teaching us to love the wonders of nature, said Jims youngest great-grandson, expressing the feelings of the whole family. Jim and Dorothy shared a passion for bird watching and wildlife, were accomplished naturalists and loved traveling to beautiful natural areas in Iowa and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. In his late 70s and 80s, Jim enjoyed spending time in Alaska, adventuring on sea planes, wildlife watching and helping out at salmon fishing camp with his grandchildren. In very recent years, Jim ran the river rapids in a kayak at age 88, kept watch over the eagles nesting at the marsh and enjoyed scenic nature drives every week, including a trip to Hickory Grove on his very final day on Gods green earth. His optimistic attitude, zest for life and loving care of his family, church, community, and nature were true blessings and continue to be a legacy of inspiration for us all. Left to cherish his loving memory include, his two daughters: Sally Speer and Pat Shank; grandchildren: Shelly (Jerry) Brenneman, Debra (Ryan) Jeffryes, Christopher (Evelin) Speer and Seren Shank; great-grandchildren: Ansel and Finn Brenneman, Drew and Kyle Jeffryes and Colin and Morgan Speer; one nephew: Kent (Anita) Mathers; one niece: Mindy (Vern) Prohaski; and special friend Shirley Wilkening. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dorothy; parents: George and Norma Maish; brother: Bill Maish; In-Laws: James and Stella Mathers and son-in-law: Ken Shank. those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles Isaiah 40:31.