James Hubbell Jr., the great-grandson of Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa founder and civic pioneer Frederick M. Hubbell, died on April 18. A major player in the revitalization of downtown Des Moines, James Hubbell’s modest approach to leadership and his impact on the business community earned him the reputation of role model and giver. Local leaders Bill Knapp, G. David Hurd and Rick Tollakson sat down this week with the Business Record to talk about how their lives were influenced by James Hubbell’s gentle demeanor and how his willingness led to great accomplishments.