Born and raised in Comfrey, MN, Jim was a serious and studious child with an early interest in ethics. He deeply valued learning and was rarely found without a book in hand. Jim received high marks in school while also participating in football, basketball, choir and band, playing the tenor sax. Jim usually didn’t care much about accolades, but graduating as Salutatorian instead of Valedictorian due to a B, given in band, always bugged him.

Upon graduation, Jim enrolled at St. John’s University. While he spent only one year there, he found it to be a lifelong refuge. He never took for granted, nor forgot, the view outside his dormitory window of untouched woodlands. Always introspective and analytical, Jim knew this period in life was not meant for remaining content and comfortable. Seeking a more diversified college experience he transferred to the U of M working towards a degree in psychology. From there he continued his education in his own unique way, by first hitch-hiking to somewhere in Colorado. Exact details on his plan (if there was one) remain unclear. Surely, he picked up some invaluable wisdom along the way, but maybe what and how is best left to the imagination.

Eventually his mother and the prairie called him home. Once returned Jim spent most of his life in or around southern MN. Jim’s unwavering belief that peace is always the answer led to devoted activism. In the spring of 82′ Jim contributed to a planned march through downtown New Ulm, ending at the Glockenspiel where he spoke to the gathered crowd in support of nuclear disarmament. Leadership and passion led Jim to Washington where he met with members of congress lobbying to “keep the world in one peace.” Jim never stopped believing nor advocating for peace but with the birth of his daughters Elly and Laila (Joy), LOVE overcame all and they became the focal point of Jim’s existence. Jim made a very deliberate effort to expose his children (and eventual grandchildren) to a smorgasbord of life experiences. Music concerts and festivals of all sorts, pow wows, art museums, different types of religions, and of course philosophical discussions following all. Despite his best efforts with the arts, his family found their talents fell more in the area of athletics. He embraced their unique identities and demonstrated love through devotion, rarely if ever missing a game. He often coached or assisted youth teams finding ways to complement each player, focused more on improving their confidence than actual skills. Somewhere along the way, with the help of some patient mentors, Jim picked up carpentry, a skill that always served him well; especially, during his years as the maintenance man for MBW Co. More than just a job, it is where he made so many meaningful personal connections and lifelong friends.

After the girls graduated Jim again shifted his focus to something he always felt a calling for, Adult foster care. It was a natural fit and a fulfilling way to combine so many of the skills Jim picked up through life. Most important of which another form of giving and receiving love.

Never one to care about materialistic things, Jim found his happiness in the simple yet complex places. He found joy in books, reading 3 or 4 at a time. He mindfully paused to soak in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. A wild rose growing on the side of the gravel road that would go unnoticed by most would induce a smile. Taking cues from nature, the sound of rain or a sky full of stars would remind Jim to look at the moon in awe and wonder.

Self-described as inward, analytic, spiritual, anxious, low key, and curious; while these things are true those who know him best would add humble, loving, kind, compassionate, empathetic, caregiver, leader, and of course, a dreamer. Above all else, Jim made the world a better place, both by his own actions and by the impact he had on all lucky enough to cross his path. Having touched so many, his legacy will long carry on. Love and peace. Jim had it right all along…

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Archie and Gertie (Rathman) and is survived by his daughters, Elly (Josh) Brudelie of New Ulm and Laila of New Ulm; siblings, Vicki (Marv) Janicke of Maple Grove, Rita (Dick) Powers of Chanhassen, Bob (Judy) Krzmarzick of Minnetonka, Mike (Jeanine) Krzmarzick of Osseo; 8 grandchildren, Kaila, Tylor, Damian, Emma, Ian, Megan, Alex, and Isaac and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH chapel in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for his family or to sign the guest book go to www.mvfh.org

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