Linda James

Linda Susan James, 73, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She fought a good fight and we’re thankful for the years God allowed us to have you in our lives. Now rest on as we keep you in our hearts.

Linda was born April 7, 1951 to Henrietta Coil and Vergil T Bell. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, William Coil Sr. Linda attended Des Moines Tech High graduating in 1969. 

At a young age, Linda married Aaron Carter, Jr. and together they raised 3 children: Erica (deceased), Aaron 3, and Precious. She was an active and supportive wife of a Preacher, but was a working Mom balancing her career and family. She adored her kids and following all of their activities as they grew up. When the grandkids came along, she spoiled them and was very proud of them. Oh yes, she, like most Grandmas, bragged on how smart they were and shared many stories of the funny things they would say and do in their toddler years.

Later in life, Linda married Terrance James and they were married for 25 years before his recent passing on August 18, 2024. Together they enjoyed traveling, dining out, attending professional sporting events, just being together at home and hosting boxing watch parties for friends and family. She was a devoted and loving wife to Terry and stood by him during his illness and decline.

Linda worked as a collector for various corporations throughout her career (Norwest Mortgage and Wells Fargo and ended her career at the Iowa State Dept of Revenue). She was often recognized for her expertise and effectiveness as she had a way of getting customers to “pay up” and was really good at it! Her co-workers always loved her sense of humor and energy. Linda was blessed to retire earlier than most which gave her time to help with her grandkids, travel, and support her husband, Terry. She kept an immaculate, well-decorated home.

Linda knew no strangers. She was friendly and personable with anyone she encountered. She would always respond when you said “I love you” to her, with “I love you more”. She could tell a joke like no other and loved to make people laugh and smile. Some jokes she told, and re-told, and re-told, but if you’d heard it before, she always had a spare joke in her back pocket.

Linda was indeed the life of the party and fun to be around. Her optimism and positive outlook were infectious and she liked to keep things light and easy, not heavy. Linda had a beautiful and sensitive spirit. She loved deeply and welcomed love back.

Linda enjoyed thrift store shopping, hunting for bargains and finding deals. She loved to dress up and had a closet full of clothes even though she would claim she had nothing to wear. She, for many years, always loved her furry cat friends, who were like members of her family. In the late-night hours, Linda loved watching movies or her favorite court TV shows, while snacking on her favorite foods in bed. She loved talking on the phone with loved ones and she didn't mind hearing a little bit of juicy gossip. She had a beautiful singing voice and would break out singing whenever she felt moved.

Linda is survived by her son Aaron 3rd (Jodi), daughter, Precious (Todd); grandchildren Jasmine, Sophia, Noah, and Annalynn; great-grandchildren McKenna and Kamron. Her siblings knew and loved her the longest and they are: brother, William Jr (Linda Kaye); sisters, Nancy (Joe) of Ankeny, IA and Phyllis (Vince) of Atlanta, GA, and Diane of Vermont. She also leaves behind her beloved Aunt Georgia L Bell and a host of nephews, cousins, and dear friend, Beatrice (Peaches), along with many other friends who also mourn her passing.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Terrance James and her parents William and Henrietta Coil, and Vergil T Bell. She also endured the heartbreaking loss of her oldest child, Erica Lynne McCarrell, just last year in 2023.