James Murtha Obituary

James L. Murtha, age 94, passed away on October 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born April 3, 1931, in Marinette, Wisconsin, to James and Sophie (Timler) Murtha. He attended grade school in Marinette, Campbellsport, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin. While in high school Jim played football and ran track. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated in 1954. During this time, Jim met Eloise (Ellie) R. Darne, courted her and they were married on April 20, 1953. He would tell everyone that was the best thing he had ever done, and she was the love of his life. After graduation, Jim was on active duty as a Marine and served ten years in the Marine Reserve. Jim worked for Oscar Mayer both in Madison, Wisconsin and Perry, Iowa. In 1972, he purchased the Culligan dealership in Pella, Iowa and then purchased the Culligan dealership in West Des Moines in 1976. Jim resided in West Des Moines until his death.

Jim and Ellie had eight children, twenty-eight grandchildren and forty-six great grandchildren. Jim's children include Carolyn Haynes (Ron) of Pella, Iowa, David (Barb) Murtha, of West Des Moines, Iowa, Susan Hayes of Bentonville, Arkansas, Daniel Murtha of Des Moines, Iowa, Andrew (Sue) Murtha of West Des Moines, Iowa, Lisa (Dub) Nelson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jimmy Murtha of Gladstone, Michigan and Amy Aguirre of West Des Moines, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Eloise, his brother Pat, his sister Mary (Kenny) Ristenpadt, and his parents. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia (Pat) Murtha.

Jim lived life to the fullest and on his own terms and met life's challenges with the ability to solve any problem or situation with a quick wit and good humor. His interests included playing cards, golfing, fishing, camping, bowling and spending time with family. Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club and Hyperion Golf Club.

Visitation with family will be held at Westover Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Sacred Heart Church following the burial services.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice, West Des Moines, Iowa.

This service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Please go to Jim's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com for the link which will be active 10 minutes prior to services and also to leave condolences.

The family would like to thank the members of the Suncrest Hospice team for their compassionate care that they gave to Jim in the last two months of his life.

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