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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As a high school band director, Jim is currently in his 34th year teaching - 28 of those in the Waverly-Shell Rock CSD.  He has fostered a strong tradition of excellence and inspired countless students along the way.  He has been a loyal member of teachers unions throughout his career and has served on the negotiations committee for several years.  Jim's work has not gone unnoticed.  He was awarded the VFW Teacher of the Year in 2018 by VFW Post 2208 for his contributions to the community.  In 2019, he was awarded the Philip Sehmann Excellence in Teaching Award by the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Association.  In 2014, his band was chosen to perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Annual Convention, an achievement of the highest honor in Iowa.  He has conducted numerous honor bands across the state and has received multiple grants to start a Drum and Fife Corps and commission new works for band and jazz band.

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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 chihuahuas, Stella and Chloe. Jim is also a grandfather to Riley, daughter of his son Kurby and his wife Paige. 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.