When Jim Umhoefer and his wife, Margy, moved to The Village in April 2024, they weren’t downsizing their lives — they were broadening them. After years in Minnesota, they chose Indianola to be closer to their grandkids and to gain the freedom to keep doing what they love while feeling grounded in a community for healthy living.
Family, Jim says, matters more with each passing year. The ability to live close to grandkids was reason enough to move, but The Village offered something more: the chance to live actively and independently while gaining neighbors who share their interests.
A Life Behind the Lens
Jim has spent five decades as a freelance and commercial photographer, often working with conservation agencies. He took conservation photos for the U.S. Forest Service, and he and a friend built an unconventional tradition they called “Wild Man” trips — long stretches in fire towers and backcountry cabins across the country.
They stayed in these remote hideaways in exchange for photo work, documenting landscapes that few people ever see. Over the years, Jim photographed 39 rental fire towers, rode horseback into six of them, and even endured two direct lightning strikes. Wilderness, he said, still feels like home.
Photography came naturally. Jim’s father loved the craft; when he died when Jim was 13, Jim inherited the cameras. His mother loved writing, and that influence stayed with him as well. Before turning fully to photography, he built a career as a special-education instructor and administrator in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Freedom to Travel, Freedom to Live
The Village gives Jim and his wife the flexibility to travel without worry. “We lock the door and know it’s a safe place,” he said. “We go off; someone else takes care of the home.” They never minded being on the younger end of the resident mix — they wanted to move when they were still physically active, and he described life at The Village as “a lot of fun.”
Sharing Stories, Strengthening Community
Jim has become part of the fabric of The Village, helping produce The Village View every other month. A favorite feature is his “Did You Know?” column, which highlights residents through photos from their younger years. It’s the kind of storytelling that builds connection and reminds people of the rich, varied experiences that shape community life.
A Next Chapter Rooted in Possibility
Jim’s story reflects what makes The Village special: a place where people bring their passions with them, discover new ones and stay connected to the people who matter most. It’s community, adventure and well-being, all in one place. To learn more about The Village — including our sweeping $49.5 million redevelopment — visit today!
