A reborn child of God, Jim entered his Heavenly resting place on Monday, December 2, 2024, to be reunited with his wife, Jean, his parents, Otto and Mildred, and many other dear family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea (Marvin) Medina; sister, Mary (Robert) Hampton; brothers, John (Cindy) and Tom (Mary); and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Through his immeasurable time, talents, and gifts, Jim dedicated his life to serving others – first to serving God, then to serving his family, his country, and all the communities where he lived, worked, worshipped and volunteered throughout his 85 years. Born May 31, 1939, and raised in Brainerd, MN, Jim helped at his family’s market and played organ at church. After earning his degree in civil engineering from the U of M Twin Cities, he actively served as an officer in the US Navy for 7.5 years during Vietnam. As a civilian, Jim worked as a structural engineer before transitioning into his final chosen profession as a rural mail carrier delivering out of Lindstrom, MN.
In his able body, Jim was blessed by making friends on his mail route, attending church groups and concerts, gardening, playing the piano for others, hosting many Chinese scholars and their families, hiking and visiting the North Shore, and maintaining parts of the Superior Hiking and North Country Trails. Most recently, he treasured the time he spent eating avocados with Andrea, as well as all the visits, emails, photos, calls, cards and prayers from his sister, brothers, cousins and other dear friends, past colleagues, and family. Even while living in the nursing home, Jim served as a blessing to others, caring to learn about each of his many caregivers’ lives, families, hometowns, and more, and making them feel special, seen and valued by asking for regular updates and remembering each and every detail they shared with him. Thank you to Cindy and all who cared for him in the spirit of Christ’s love at Waverly Gardens and EagleCrest, and to his brother, Tom, longtime friend, Naomi, and son-in-law, Marvin, for their additional caregiving and support.
We will miss him and his “Dad jokes” and are truly blessed by the lasting impacts he’s made in each of our lives through his faith, patience, humility and desire to follow God. To honor Jim’s extraordinary example, may we all remember to spread kindness and compassion freely as we spend the rest of our days on Earth.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Superior Hiking Trail, the North Country Trail, North Heights Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.
Memorial service 11:00 AM Saturday, December 14, at North Heights Lutheran Church (Roseville Campus), 2701 Rice St., Roseville, MN 55113. Visitation at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday.
Private interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
North Heights Lutheran Church
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
North Heights Lutheran Church
Visits: 330
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