Obituary of Jimmy P. Goodvin

Jimmy P. Goodvin, 81, of Gilbert, AZ passed away on May 1st, 2023. He was born on January 26^th, 1942, to Bryan R. (Hoot) & Edna M. Goodvin at the Greater Community Hospital in Creston, Iowa.

Jim’s early life was spent in rural Southwest Iowa, raised by his mother and other family members while his father served with the Flying Tigers in the China-Burma-India Theater of World War II. Hoot returned home at war’s end to be reunited with what would be a growing Goodvin family. Jim enjoyed telling people of life in Adams County, where he spent times living on the family farm near the town of Carbon. One of his favorite stories is how he “spent time” in the Adams County Jailhouse from the ages of 4 to 11. This was due to his father serving as Adams County sheriff in an era when sheriff and family lived in the jailhouse. Jim loved to hunt, fish and times spent pitching horseshoes at the timber cabin near the family farm.

Jim would later enlist into the United States Marine Corps in 1959. While in the 3^rd Marine Division, he earned citations as a pistol expert and rifle marksman. Jim enjoyed seeing the world during his years in the Corps, being honorably discharged in 1965. His time serving his country was something he was incredibly proud of, donning a USMC hat daily.  Jim was a proud member of the Gilbert, AZ American Legion Merrell-Mitchell Post 39.

Jim earned two college degrees from Wayne State in Wayne, Nebraska, and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. It would be in Wayne where he would meet his first wife, Beth.  After a prolific 38-year career with Auto-Owners Insurance Company, Jim owned and operated JP Goodvin Insurance Consultants, Inc. in Gilbert. He was incredibly proud of his own business and loved the employees who worked for the agency.

Jim is survived by his wife Jimmie, Jon; son, (Mara) Jay; son (Monica) daughter-in-law, Teresa Kolb (Jeff) six grandchildren Jessica, Elise, Kate, Charlie, Leah, Gigi and two great grandchildren Alice and Kenneth.

Jim grew up with brother Larry, sister Julie and brother Tim. A constant sidekick in his life was his cousin Max Goodvin.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents Hoot and Edna, and brother Tim.

The Goodvin family would like to extend special thanks to the medical staff of Lund Home and Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, AZ.  Jim’s wishes were to be cremated.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.