Dr. James and Mary Ellen Kimball

Mary Ellen and Dr. James Kimball were passionate, curious, adventurous, and perpetual philanthropists. They shared in their joy of the arts, flying, travel, and promoting anyone and everything they believed in, especially their children and grandchildren. They lived and explored the British Virgin Islands on the 39′ C&C sailboat “Bukha” from 1990-1993 and cruised the rivers of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest on their 40′ river cruiser “Blue Lady” from 2000-2003. They dedicated their time, efforts, and resources over the years to the communities of Osceola, Clarke County and the state of Iowa. They proudly served as Honorary Colonel’s for Governor Kim Reynolds 2019 Inauguration. They actively supported the South Central Iowa Community Foundation and created the Kimball Family Foundation for the Arts and Medical Education to promote continued education of south central Iowa students.

Their lives will continue to be celebrated through the countless art installations, community betterment projects, philanthropic gifts, and individuals who were blessed to be their friends and family. In accordance with their wishes, a private family burial after cremation will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future to honor and commemorate their contributions and achievements.

The family would ask that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions be made in their honor to any organization that they were involved in that would have meaning and connection to the bestower or to the Kimball Family Foundation for Medicine and the Arts, through South Central Iowa Community Action Program.