Tomka, James G. (1959-2022)

TOMKA, GLASS, ADAMS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/6/2022 at 20:58:04

James G. Tomka, 48, died in a boating accident in Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 27 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Private burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.

James was born the son of Mary Catherine Glass and Victor C. Tomka, Sr. in Carroll, Iowa on May 1, 1959. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1981 with a degree in Agriculture Business and Creighton Law School in 1984. On May 15, 1982 Jim was united in marriage to Teresa Adams at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Vail, IA. They lived in Omaha, NE and Webster City, IA prior to moving to Des Moines in 1987. Since 1991 Jim worked as an attorney for the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals and for the last several years, served as assistant appellate defender for the department. Jim was a member of the Iowa Bar Association, Public Defender Association, St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church and Precinct 47 Captain of numerous Democratic Caucasus. Jim loved his family and enjoyed golf, reading, fishing, jazz music, his neighborhood, politics and candy bars. He was also an avid blood donor and a volunteer for numerous community activities including: First year practicum at Drake Law School, Mock Trail and Boy Scouts.

Jim is survived by his wife, Teresa Adams-Tomka; his five children, Andrew, Patrick, Margo, Madeline and Peter; his father, Victor C. Tomka, Sr.; brothers and sisters, Barb Phillipe, Victor Tomka, Jr., Edward Tomka, Carole Tomka, Cathy Malone and Mary Ann Kemper. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Catherine.

Jim’s family will receive friends from 5-8pm, Thursday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with a rosary beginning at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Cass County Minnesota Search and Rescue Division, c/o Iowa State Bank, 627 E. Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309