If Jim didnt shake your hand, he gave you a big hug; he made sure you knew he appreciated your presence in his life. Jim Ferree, 68, passed away on August 26 at his home surrounded by his loving family from prostate cancer, which first appeared in 2007. A funeral service will be on Friday, September 1st at 1:30 at Hope Lutheran Church on Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, followed by a Celebration of Jims life from 3:00 to 5:30 at Blu Toro Cantina, 5585 Mills Civic in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Opportunity International (financing and training to empower people to work their way out of global poverty) or Meals of the Heartland. Jim was born to Everett and Yvonne (Ore) Ferree in Beaverdale. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1967, Jim earned a degree at Drake University and continued his love of Drake by being on the basketball stats crew and as a Drake Relays Official for 29 years. He married Connie (Lee) Ferree and they had two adorable girls, Heather and Nichole. His marriage to Betty Baum-Ferree in 1989 lasted for 28 wonderful years, during which they shared a love for family, travel and the outdoors. Jim never met a trail in a forest he didnt want to hike. Jim loved traveling internationally, staying at local area B or just reading a book on his deck. He had a true passion for sports, especially basketball, football and golf. Jim and Betty were avid bicyclists, often biking Root River in Minnesota and the Katy Trail in Missouri besides hopping on the Clive Greenbelt. He will be missed by all that had the opportunity to know and love him. Jims memory will be kept alive through his wife Betty, his brother Fred Ferree (Sherry), his sister Debbie Evans (Brad), his daughters Heather Paris (Chris) and Nichole Rial (Oscar), and his four grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Celebrate Life Iowa has been entrusted with Jim's cremation care.