James Adam Reich

James “Jim” Reich, age 70 of Urbandale, IA, died on Thursday, February 15^th at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.  A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Jim was born on June 26, 1953, in New Richmond, WI.  Jim grew up in Baldwin and graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 1971.  On August 25, 1973, he was united in marriage to Debra “Debby” Bonnes at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin.  This union would further bless the couple with three children:  Brian, Angela, and Adam.

Jim received his Associates degree in Accounting from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 1973 and spent the next year working at E.L. Murphy Trucking in St. Paul. In 1974, Jim came back to Baldwin and purchased Northside Cafe from his parents.  

His business background and his strong work ethic allowed him to be a successful business owner for many years.  Jim’s work hard, play hard attitude, gift of storytelling and ability to make anyone laugh with a well-rehearsed joke made him a natural in the bar and restaurant industry.  

He ultimately sold Northside Cafe to buy a larger establishment in Menomonie, Eva’s Cafe (later called Jim’s Cafe).  He then went on to own the Wilson Nite Club and the Coachman Supper Club.  One of Jim’s largest professional accomplishments was expanding the Coachman Supper Club to include a banquet facility that sat up to 400 people.  This facility hosted many weddings and annual parties, making it a well-known establishment within the community.

Jim found great joy in raising his children and took pride in their accomplishments.  He was always there to provide feedback and unwavering support.  This joy continued in his heartfelt relationships with his grandchildren. Jim retired in 2008 and upon Debby’s retirement in 2019, they moved to the Des Moines area to be closer to family.

Jim had many passions in life.  In addition to raising his family, he was an avid card player and participated in many leagues and clubs over the years including pool, darts, softball, golf and bowling.  Throughout all of these activities, Jim valued the friendships he made and was always there to lend a helping hand.

When he wasn’t participating in these activities, he enjoyed cheering on one of his favorite professional teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Twins.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Debby, and their three children: Brian Reich (Michelle), Angela McGargill (Ryan), and Adam Reich (Rachel); as well as 5 grandchildren: Sophia Reich, Luke Barnard, Camille Barnard, Grayson McGargill, and Eleanor Reich, as well as his special cousin, Bonnie Massino (Fred), and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Grace, and his brother, Donald Reich.