James LaVern Hoover Jr, 72, was born Nov 11, 1947 in Milan IL. to James LaVern Hoover Sr and Helen (Lovett) Hoover. Jim grew up in Milan IL. with his parents and two sisters Jan & Donna. His favorite childhood memory was a toy army train set he received as a Christmas gift. He enjoyed building model cars and planes. Jim was also very close to his Grandma Lovett. Jim's Grandpa Lovett built all five of his children (Robert, Donald, Helen, Ralph & Merle) a house on the same block in Milan IL. Jim was the oldest of the Lovett cousins and was possibly the leader of the pack. At the age of 17 Jim joined the Navy on a special enlistment. While in the Navy Jim finished his education and sailed the 7 seas. He was aboard the USS Hammerberg (a destroyer escort) and later the USS William H Standley (a guided missile frigate). Jim spent most of his time in the engine room tearing apart packing on the pipes. His sea adventures were in the Mediterranean , Spain and Italy. Serving at the end of his tour during the Vietnam war, he returned home where he met and married Beckie Collins. He worked at the Eagle Warehouse & the Rock Island post office. Jim and Beckie welcomed their first daughter Kimberly. Jim went on to find his true calling as a car salesman. He worked at Ericksons Chevrolet in Milan IL. and later Lujack Chevrolet in Davenport, IA. The family added another daughter Karen .The family had many adventures including Jim's favorite pastime to boat and fish. The family moved to Arizona for a short time. But the weather was too much, and the family moved back to Des Moines to be closer to Beckie's family. Jim went to work for Charles Gabus Ford. Jim and Beckie were later divorced. Starting a new chapter he met and married Linda Lehman, and later adopted her young son John. Jim then worked for Mid States Ford as the used truck manager. He made several life long friendships there especially Don Herridge. They were friends to the end having lunch together whenever Jim was able. After another divorce, Jim enjoyed socializing and dancing which lead to meeting the love of his life. Third time being a charm Jim married Joan Ward on Feb 10,2001. Adding to his family 3 children, 7 grandchildren and later 1 great grandchild. Jim continued to work for Mild States Ford until the business moved. Being between jobs Jim build a beautiful sun porch on their house. Next came 6 years working for Ron Willey Ford in Ames IA. In retirement Jim worked part-time for Lowe's Home Improvement in West Des Moines IA. Working 5 days for 4 hours was just perfect for Jim. He enjoyed helping people. Jim and Joan enjoyed going to tag sales. Jim especially liked model trains and was always looking for a train like the one he had as a kid. Jim and Joan were avid Iowa Hawkeye fans. Jim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in Oct of 2018. Jim continued his part time job until April of 2019. From Dec 1,2019 until his death , Jim was in and out of the hospital and rehab facilities. Jim passed away on April 10, 2020, of complications of lung cancer, with his wife at his side. Jim is survivored by his wife Joan, his daughters Kimberly (Jonathan) Clarkson, Karen Murphy, and son John Hoover. Grandchildren Tad Hoover, Brittany Young, Courtney Young, Jarred Hoover, Elizabeth Murphy, Sara Murphy, Neil Murphy, Lilly Murphy, Gabriel Clarkson, and 6 great grandchildren. Step children Pam (Tim) Bormann, Mark (Mishelle) Gerber, Laura (Joni) Gerber. Step grand children Brianne ( Connor) Nelson, Kevin ( Amanda) Gerber, Luke (Kayla) Bormann, Joe Bormann, Kelli Bormann, Gabby Gerber, Nate Gerber and 1 step great grand child. A sister Jan (Bob Egger). Also his beloved cats Sophie and Samantha. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Donna Valle. A private family service will be held at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada. Burial followed at the Colo Cemetery in Colo. A public celebration of Jim's life will be held later this year. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. www.rasmussonfh.com