Jim Galbraith, age 85, of Sac City, IA, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. James Allan Galbraith was born on April 17, 1935, to parents Robert and Florence (Deming) Galbraith in Sac City. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church in Sac City where he was a dedicated, life-long member. Jim lived in Sac City all of his life. He attended country school which later moved to town and he graduated from Sac City High School with the Class of 1953.
On April 8, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Ann Linquist in the Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA. This union was blessed with two children, Robert and Mary. Jim and Ann raised their family on the same family farm Jim had lived on since 1939, just east of town.
Jim farmed all of his life. He farmed the land and raised cattle and hogs. On the farm you could also find sheep, chickens, and a variety of other animals. He loved being outside in the warmer months tending to things. Jim was what you would call a ‘social gardener’…he always planted a garden and loved sharing all the produce he grew with his family and friends. He was a social guy that thoroughly enjoyed making his daily stops at area businesses for coffee. He was a friend to all and will certainly be missed by the community he so loved.
Jim served as District Commissioner for Sac County Soil Conservation for twenty-two years. He and Ann were known for hosting annual tree sales through the conservation program on their farm. He was a member of the Lions Club, an organization which he held near and dear to his heart. Jim was a very active member of his church as mentioned above. He held many offices and served as a Deacon and Elder. Anything the church needed, if Jim was able to provide, he did.
Jim was a hardworking, devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their achievements. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ann Galbraith of Sac City; son Rob Galbraith of Sac City; daughter Mary (Benny) Gaffney of Altoona, IA; grandchildren: Nikki (Riley) Auna of Fridley, MN, Alexandra Galbraith of Minneapolis, MN, Henry, Avery and Sloane Gaffney of Altoona, IA; great-grandchildren Brynn, Grant and Josie Auna; sister Ruth Ellen Smith of Sac City; sister-in-law Doneta Linquist of Sac City; many other extended family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence Galbraith; parents-in-law Edwin and Matilda Linquist; siblings: Arlene (Leo) Willadson, Gerald (JoAnn) Galbraith, Merle (Phyllis) Galbraith, LeRoy (Ruth) Galbraith; brothers-in-law Merlyn Smith and Lawrence Linquist; sister-in-law Ruth Linquist.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 812 Audubon Street, Sac City, IA 50583.