Dr. James Kimball Obituary-Death News; A Revered Osceola Physician, Died By Suicide After Allegedly Shooting His Wife
The small community of Osceola is in shock after a tragic event on the morning of December 17, 2024. Dr. James “Jim” Kimball, a well-respected family medicine practitioner at Clarke County Hospital for nearly sixty years, was found dead in an apparent attempted murder-suicide.
According to law enforcement, Dr. Kimball took his own life after allegedly shooting his wife, Mary Ellen Kimball, during a domestic dispute. Mary Ellen survived but remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
Their son, Joseph Kimball, a physician in Madison County, is at his mother’s side during her recovery. This incident has deeply affected Osceola’s tight-knit community of less than 5,500 residents and the broader Iowa medical and military communities, where Dr. Kimball was a highly esteemed figure.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the Kimballs’ home in the 1000 block of Lakeshore Drive after a 911 call around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots and yelling.
Upon arrival, police found Dr. Kimball, 79, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and his wife Mary Ellen, 76, alive but critically injured. She was immediately transported to Clarke County Hospital before being airlifted to Des Moines for advanced care. Authorities confirmed that the shooting resulted from a domestic dispute.
Dr. Kimball was more than a physician; he was a community pillar known for his dedication to patients, military service, and philanthropy. He delivered over 1,000 babies and supervised another 10,000 deliveries at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. He also played a significant role in local economic and cultural development, including projects like the Lakeside Casino and Hotel.
Clarke County Hospital has not yet issued a statement regarding Dr. Kimball’s death, leaving the community speculating on how to address this tragic event while honoring his legacy.
Dr. Kimball’s career was marked by dedication to service in medicine and beyond. A University of Iowa College of Medicine graduate, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and received a Bronze Star. Returning to civilian life, he began practicing family medicine in Osceola and earned a reputation as a compassionate physician.
He was also a senior aviation medical examiner and founded the Kimball Foundation, providing scholarships to local students pursuing medical careers. Despite his success, friends and colleagues noted Dr. Kimball faced personal struggles in recent years.
Mary Ellen Kimball, described as the family bedrock and a retired schoolteacher, remains in critical condition. Friends know her for her warmth and dedication to the community.
The couple had been married for over 50 years and raised three children. Their son Joseph has requested privacy for the family but expressed hope for his mother’s recovery.
The broader Iowa community is feeling the impact of this tragedy, and mental health advocates are stressing the need for awareness and resources for those experiencing emotional distress, especially in caregiving professions like medicine.
The Kimball Foundation plans to create a special fund in Dr. Kimball’s memory to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources for families affected by domestic violence.
As the investigation continues, the Osceola community is rallying to support the Kimball family. A candlelight vigil is being organized to honor Dr. Kimball’s life and pray for Mary Ellen’s recovery. Funeral arrangements for Dr. Kimball have not been announced, but the family plans a public memorial service to celebrate his life.
The people of Osceola and beyond will continue to reflect on Dr. Kimball’s life and the lasting impact he made. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the community he helped build.