Jim Vowels was raised in a large, close-knit family on a rural farm in a small community. His father balanced long days at a chemical plant with work on the farm, while his mother dedicated herself fully to raising their children. Later in life, Jim experienced the challenges of being a single parent, juggling multiple jobs to keep his household afloat and provide for his children. These experiences shaped his deep sense of responsibility, resilience, and empathy.

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For 33 years, Jim has served as a high school band director—27 of those at Waverly-Shell Rock—where he’s inspired countless students and fostered a strong culture of excellence. His work has not gone unnoticed: he was honored as the 3A Teacher of the Year by the Northeast Iowa Band Directors Association and led his band to perform at the prestigious Iowa Bandmasters Association Annual Conference in 2014. He has also been recognized by the WAVP for his community contributions. In 2019, Jim was awarded the Philip Sehmann Excellence in Teaching Award by the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Association. In addition, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2208 awarded Jim the honor of being their 2018 Teacher of the Year. 

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Jim and his wife Patty, a training specialist at Zoetis in Charles City, live in Waverly. Together, they share a blended family of six children—Sophie, Kurby, Celia, Elyse, Ole, Francelia—plus their loyal chihuahua, Stella. When he's not teaching or serving his community, Jim enjoys studying American history, tending to his acreage, and tinkering with his beloved old Ferguson tractor.

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Though politics was never an ambition for Jim, he now feels a deep sense of urgency. He can no longer stand on the sidelines. He is stepping forward—not out of personal ambition, but from a belief that Iowa can and must do better. The state’s motto, “Foundation in Education,” proudly appeared on the Iowa quarter in 2004. Yet after a decade of partisan control and shortsighted policy, that foundation is crumbling. Jim believes it's time to rebuild.

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He has great faith in Iowa’s small towns and rural communities. He knows their value, their work ethic, and their potential. He hears the frustration of rural Iowans who feel left behind, and he shares their determination to protect what makes these communities strong. Keeping rural schools and towns viable is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.

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Coming from a long line of farmers, Jim knows firsthand the hardships they face. He understands the stakes when a season goes wrong or markets shift without warning. He knows Iowa’s farmers are under pressure and need real advocates who respect and represent their interests.

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Jim Vowels is running for office to bring people together—not to divide. He is driven by hope, not cynicism. He wants to end the noise, the finger-pointing, and the political gridlock. His mission is clear: to listen, to lead, and to deliver meaningful change for Iowans across the state.