Karen Koch James

Karen Koch-James, 71, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines surrounded by her loving family.

Karen was born on March 28, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa to Lee and Shirley (Davis) Koch. Karen attended Valley High School where she was a proud member of the high school marching band, and graduated in 1973.

In 1974, Karen moved to Tucson, Arizona with a friend to spread her wings and have a little fun in the sun. Always industrious and filled with adventure, Karen enjoyed opportunities to experience new things and meet new people. These traits translated well to Karen’s preferred employment in the food service industry.

Karen returned to Des Moines in 1976-full of laughter and always ready for her next adventure-even if that meant late nights with her sister Sharon and their close friends. Always laughing and having spirited conversation, Karen was like nobody else-and that is the way she liked it.

Karen enjoyed her time working in the food service industry in Des Moines for many years and often shared fond memories of her time at The Des Moines Club. Certainly, because The Club was a great place to work; but, more notably because it is the place where she first met the love of her life, Doug James, in 1981.

On September 4, 1983, Karen and Doug were married, and made their home in Des Moines, where they enjoyed entertaining friends and family, live music, and local establishments. They welcomed their son Scott in 1987, and made their home the type of place where everyone was welcome and nobody wanted to leave.

Karen loved spending time with family and friends; imbibing, laughing, enjoying good music, and laughing some more. Karen was incredibly proud of her son Scott, and remained deeply devoted to Doug and their shared life through all of the highs and lows that they experienced together.

Karen was fierce. Brave. Incredibly thoughtful and charismatic. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her; and her absence from this earth leaves a space that can never be filled by anyone else-just the way she intended.

Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Greg, Karen is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Doug James; her son, Scott James of Ankeny; sister, Sharon Koch of Des Moines, and sister-in-law Christine Koch of Clive, as well as many nieces, nephews, and very dear family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Halloween Party will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr., West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel