James Edward Page

James "Jim" Edward Page passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was 86.

A celebration of Jim's life with family and friends will be held in the summer in Des Moines, Iowa on a date to be determined.  Burial will soon follow in Big Bear, California.

Jim was born September 18, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, and adopted shortly afterwards by Arthur and Vida Page. The family soon moved to Burbank, California, which Jim would consider his childhood home.  He graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1956 and enlisted in the Navy, serving on the USS Epperson while stationed in the Sea of Japan during the late 50's. Upon returning home, he married Joyce Rush on September 2, 1960. They were married for 20 years.

Jim enjoyed working with people and spent his entire career as a Licensed Dispensing Optician. In the mid-to-late 70s he led an effort to create an optical program at the local community college, and once established, spent several years teaching night classes. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #300 in Redlands, CA, and was an avid football fan (both college and professional teams).

In 1981 he reconnected with Noel Leslie, his childhood sweetheart, and they were married on May 8, 1982. Together they enjoyed time at their cabin in Big Bear CA, travelling to National Parks in their motor coach, wine tasting, and most especially spending time with their children and grandchildren, taking extended family trips together whenever possible.

Jim was a lifetime learner… there was rarely a problem he couldn't solve. He enjoyed home DIY and was always ready to lend a hand when any of the kids needed help with their projects.  He was also a very devoted reader. In later years you could usually find him with Nook in hand reading one of more than 1000 books he had accumulated over the years. He relocated to Iowa in 2014 after the passing of his wife, Noel.

Jim is survived by his two daughters: Karen (Doug) Kofoed of Des Moines, IA, and Kristen (Marc) Rose of Taylors, SC; two step-children: Scott (Michele) Leslie of Sacramento, CA and Kori (Greg) Schneider of Roseville, CA;  8 grandchildren: Paige, Lauren, Kailee, Nick, Christopher, Heather, Shannon, and Erica; 15 great-grandchildren:  Atticus, Penelope, Finneas, Laurelai, Rocco, Callista, Juniper, Ophelia, Knox, Eulalie, Hyler, Cora, Miles, Oliver, and Landon. He is preceded in death by his second wife Noel, and his parents Arthur and Vida.

Special thanks to the VA Home Based Primary Team and Jim's Caregiver Olivia Hoffman and her family for the wonderful care and kindness shown to our Dad and Grandpa.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the VA Central Iowa Healthcare System (515) 699-5818