Age 91
James died peacefully at home on August 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born to Frank and Evelyn Stickler in St Paul on August 21, 1934. He was the second of five boys and grew up on St Paul’s West Side. Jim attended St Matthew’s School and spent his summers working on a farm in Mahnomen MN from ages 11-14. Later, he attended Humboldt High School where he met his future wife, Shirley. During his high school years, he set pins at a local bowling alley and hitchhiked to Le Sueur MN to work at the Green Giant Company. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the US Army. He was stationed in Germany and after his honorable discharge, he traveled Europe before returning home to St Paul. Jim worked as an optician but later decided that was not a good career for him and became a plumber. On April 7. 1956 he married Shirley Witt. They raised 4 children in West St Paul. Jim worked as a plumber for over 30 years and then retired after his wife passed away. Jim was a hard-working man. The family was active in their church and spent summer weekends at their Rush Lake cabin that Jim built. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he spent many seasons with his brothers at a log cabin in northern Minnesota that they built together. In retirement, Jim continued to stay busy with numerous hobbies and physical activities. He even joined a bike and ski club which is how he met Ginny, on a bike trail. For the next 23 years, they biked Minnesota trails, traveled and enjoyed each other’s company. Bicycling became his favorite activity, biking an average of 40 miles on a regular bases and for many years, up to 80 miles on his birthdays just to say he could! In the summer of 2025, he moved from his townhouse to senior living. Jim lived in independent living until the very end. Thank you to the staff at Inver Glen Senior Living for their kindness and making the last year of his life enjoyable.
Jim was a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley of 37 years; special friend, Ginny Seals; brothers, John Stickler and Joseph Stickler; sister-in-law, Barbara Stickler. Survived by children, Tracey (Lyle) Huisinga, Nancey (Kevin) Quinn, Julie (Barry) Greive, and Jim (Melanie) Stickler; grandchildren, Joanne (Dave) Ericson, Dale (Caryn) Huisinga, Bailey Quinn, Shaun Quinn, Allison Stickler, Jessica (Jake) Hladik and Jackie Stickler; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom (Anne) Stickler and Frank (Jean) Stickler; sister-in-law, Beverly Stickler.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, at 10:30am with service to follow at 12:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service. Private Interment at Fort Snelling. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.