Jim Bagnall was born in Petoskey, Michigan, on January 27, 1930. His parents, Russell and Arleen Bagnall, were his parents. During the course of his childhood, his family relocated multiple times across the states of Wisconsin and Iowa. Jim relocated to Marshalltown with his parents and siblings in 1945, when he was 15 years old. There, he joined his father in the newly established Arbie Feeds business, where he worked part-time before and after school and during holidays.
Following his graduation from high school and subsequent enrollment at Grinnell College, he went on to earn a degree from Marshalltown Community College. In 1950, he began working full-time as an Assistant Manager, and he remained in that position until 1969, when he was elevated to President and General Manager.
He completed his semi-retirement in 1995. On March 24, 1951, he tied the knot with Elizabeth (Bette) Watson, the woman he had loved his entire life.
For the entirety of his working life, Jim was involved in activities that were related to the church and the community. He was the first Vice President of the Marshalltown Jaycees, the President of the Marshalltown Noon Lions and the chairman of the state convention in 1963, the President of the Marshalltown Area United Way, the President of the Marshalltown Area Community Hospital, which later became the M.M. S. C., and the President of the Industrial Bureau of the Chamber of Commerce.
Over the course of his life, he served in a variety of capacities within the First Baptist Church (Journey Church) and was a Sunday School instructor for a number of years. During the time that First Baptist Church was constructing its new facilities at 700 East Olive Street, he served as both the Co-Chairman and the Building Finance Chairman.
Jim was on the Board of Trustees for Northern Baptist Seminary for a period of 42 years, and he also served on the Board of Trustees for Judson University for a period of 49 years. During his time on the boards, he was a member of the Business Affairs Committee for both organisations.
According to Jim, a disciple of Jesus, he believed that regardless of the line of work that one chooses to pursue, they are engaged in full-time Christian service. He was a devoted Christian businessman who expressed his faith in all he did. He was passionate about his beliefs. He was a keen reader and enjoyed activities such as travelling, fishing, working with wood, and watching sports.
He took pleasure in both vacationing with his family and attending Christmas get-togethers. The spiritual legacy that he left behind was significant, and he was a man of honesty and kindness.
