member of First Christian Church in Ames, serving in numerous leadership and teaching roles. He served in a leadership capacity in AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy), an organization committed to social justice, and he volunteered in county politics and with Food at First in Ames. James was a Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 196, a Story County Master Gardener, and an Ames Impact Track Club coach. He volunteered as a firefighter for the Westory Fire Agency in Gilbert, Iowa, and he received the Governor's Volunteer Award. He enjoyed working with his hands whether it was woodworking, leatherwork, gardening or pie baking. He loved to read but most of all enjoyed learning and spreading his knowledge. James is survived by his wife Cynthia of Ames; daughter, Sarah Gaunt of Ames; son, Richard (Brittney) Gaunt of Omaha, Nebraska; and two grandchildren, Arthur and Rosemary. He was preceded in death by his parents and his Aunt Natalie and Uncle Stanley Payne. Memorials may be addressed to First Christian Church in Ames or Food At First in Ames. Online condolences may be left at adamssoderstrum.com To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/obituaries/Jame-Arthur-Gaunt?obId=3111918#/obituaryInfo