Age 70, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2022.
Jim was born on April 16, 1952 in International Falls, MN. On January 25, 1986 he married the love of his life Kathryn (Willger). They were blessed with three children James Jr., Joseph, and Kelly. Jim deeply loved his family and was incredibly proud of his wife and children.
Jim was a lifelong hunter, fisher, avid outdoorsman and lover of nature. Jim loved sharing this gift with others, especially his family. Growing up in International Falls, he had a great appreciation for and knowledge of Rainy Lake. He spent much of his life as an entrepreneur with many businesses, including Rainy Lake International, a wholesale and retail fish business.
He enjoyed sharing the beauty of Rainy Lake with others and believed in leaving nature the way he found it so that others could enjoy its magnificence. No one could catch a walleye like Jim. He even earned the title of “the walleye god” amongst his family. There are many photos to validate his award-winning fishing talents.
Jim also enjoyed teaching his children how to hunt. He took them on many duck hunting trips with their family dogs. He passed along his love for hunting and fishing to his son Joe, who has successfully honed many of his dad’s outdoor skills.
In recent years, Jim enjoyed his daily trips to the gas station to get the newspaper each morning. He looked forward to reading the daily news, especially the sports section. Jim was a fan of all Minnesota sports teams. He followed the teams closely, frequently quoting statistics and facts about each of the teams and their players. His daughter, Kelly has followed in his footsteps with a love for sports and facts.
Jim enjoyed many hobbies including reading, sports, and aviation. Jim found his passion for flying at a young age. Over the years, he owned and operated many planes. He was proud to pass along his passion for flying to his son, Jimmy, who is a commercial pilot.
Jim was a faith-filled man who devoted his life to loving God and living His word. He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel & Buelah; and brother, Daniel. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kathryn; children James Jr. (Brianna), Joseph and Kelly; siblings John (Rosie) and Mary Jean Kramer, and many other family and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10am on Wednesday, November 30 at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St, Inver Grove Heights with visitation at 9am. The burial ceremony will be held at 2:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, 2411 23rd Street, Dobie, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Blessed be his memory.