James Kimpson

Jim Kimpson, 76, of Corning, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, Iowa. Jim’s wife of 30+ years, Karon Kimpson, passed away 3 days later on December 7, 2021. A visitation for both, Jim and Karon, will be 2-4 PM, Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning, Iowa. Jim will be laid to rest in the Oakland Cemetery @ Quincy in a private inurnment to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, to be determined. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
James (Jim) Edward Kimpson was born October 23, 1945, in Creston, Iowa to Dale Roquel Kimpson and Katherine Virginia (Johnston) Kimpson. He graduated from Corning High School in 1963. Jim grew up on a farm in Adams County and from a young age was very active in 4-H, achieving many awards at the county fairs. After graduation, Jim went to serve 6 months of active duty for the Iowa National Guard at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

On September 4, 1964 he was united in marriage to Shirley Arlene VanPelt in Corning, Iowa. The couple was blessed with 2 children. A daughter, Lori Ann in 1967, and a son, Todd Edward in 1972.

With a herd of milk cows, a few hogs and some cattle, Jim went to work farming. In later years, he traded livestock farming for crop farming. Jim also worked for Russell Farms and several years for RJ’s Plumbing in Corning. He’d always had a desire to learn how to fly and in 1976, Jim reached this goal and obtained his pilot’s license. Jim passed his love of farming on to Todd. From the time Todd was little he had to be part of it. As Todd grew older, he traded riding in the tractor with Jim to driving it himself, working alongside Jim to plant and harvest the crops. Jim & Shirley would later divorce.

On April 9, 1991, Jim was united in marriage with Karon Kae Damewood in Coeur D Alene, Idaho. Jim & Karon really enjoyed camping over the years, making many trips to Lake Icaria as well as other places around the state. Jim really enjoyed participating in the annual KSIB Tractor Ride in later years and Karon even joined him on the ride one year.
At the time of Jim’s passing, survivors included his wife, Karon. Following her death on December 7, 2021, those left to mourn his passing are his children: Lori (Kirk) Goldsmith of Creston, Todd (significant other Debbie) Kimpson of Corning; 5 grandchildren: Justin (fiance’ Andrea) Goldsmith of Adel, Iowa, Kandice (Tyler) Schouten of Bedford, Iowa, Kayla (fiance’ Aaron) Kimpson of West Des Moines, Iowa, Kaleb (Bailey) Goldsmith of Creston, Iowa and Kynlee Kimpson of Gravity, Iowa; 4 great-grandchildren: Graelyn Goldsmith, Ryott & Rebel Schouten and Jade Goldsmith; 2 step children: Brenda (Dan) Steeve of Corning, Iowa and Brian (Carla) Damewood of Corning, Iowa; 7 step grandchildren; and 4 step great-grandchildren; nephews: Jeff (Denise) Kimpson, Greg (Rebekah) Kimpson, all of Idaho, and Larry (significant other Katy) Kimpson of Washington; his sister-in-law, Val Kimpson of Spokane Washington; and many beloved cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Katherine, and his brother Larry.