James Alvin Rechkemmer, 78, of Des Moines and formerly of Oakville, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, while under hospice care at Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care in West Des Moines. He was born December 3, 1947, in Oakville to Alvin and Mabel (Kramer) Rechkemmer; the youngest of seven children.
He graduated from Wapello High School in 1966, Southeastern Community College in 1968, and the University of Iowa in 1971. Jim also attended the Iowa School for the Blind where he learned to be independent despite his loss of sight due to retinitis pigmentosa.
He worked at Interstate Assurance Company in Des Moines for over 25 years. Jim was active in the Des Moines Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa and the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
His hobbies included listening to audio books, reading Braille books, the New York Yankees, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and collecting ceramic animals.
Survivors include his sister, Cora (Ronald) Ater, Burlington; sister-in-law, Doris Rechkemmer, Burlington; former sister-in-law and friend, Vicky Rechkemmer, Burlington; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Melvin, Russell, Kenneth, Elwood, and Carl (Butch) Rechkemmer; and special niece, Sheryn Cooper.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:00 on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service at 3940 Division Street in Burlington.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. A time of food and fellowship will follow in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Burial will be at the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery south of Oakville following the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, PO Box 93046, Des Moines, IA 50393-3046.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences left for the family by visiting James' obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.