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James White Obituary
St. Cloud
April 7, 1939 - July 9, 2011
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday 6pm, July 22 at 912 Regency Plaza, St. Cloud, MN.
Jim grew up in Denver, Colorado. He was anti-authoritarian from an early age, getting into lively debates with his Sunday school teachers. This led to his interest in philosophy. He received his PhD from the University of Colorado in 1968, and taught philosophy at St. Cloud State University for 36 years. He published the textbook "Introduction to Philosophy" as well as ten editions of "Contemporary Moral Problems," the latest of which came out in 2010 and includes the 4th edition of "War, Terrorism, Torture and Assassination," a project which he first began after the events of 9/11. Dr. White was a popular professor because of his entertaining lectures and his ability to simplify difficult concepts, using examples that young people could relate to. In his retirement, he continued to enjoy weekly discussions with his colleagues.
Jim was an avid mountain climber. He climbed Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. He went on two Himalayan expeditions with his brother Gene and was involved in rescues on both McKinley and Makalu in Nepal. He married his wife Elena in 1963, and the two of them climbed the Matterhorn together, among countless other adventures in the outdoors. They would go on to have two sons, Mike and Leif, and enjoy 48 years of marriage.
Jim was a legend in the local bike and ski community. Well after retirement, he could be found going on difficult group rides with people half his age. He was a strong competitor, winning his age group in almost every race. But it was his magnetic personality and unique sense of humor that attracted people left and right. Jim prioritized recreation over the expensive house and fancy car. If there were any new innovations in biking or skiing equipment, he was the first-adopter. As his collections grew, it was Jim's way of helping young local athletes to give them bikes and skis and equipment that would otherwise be impossible for them to afford. Find someone out riding or skiing or rock climbing, and there's a decent chance they got started in the sport thanks to a piece of Jim's donated equipment.
Jim was a source of fun, humor, and inspiration to many, and he will be sorely missed.
Jim is survived by his wife, Elena, sons, Michael and Leif, and a half brother, Joseph White.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene.
Memorials are preferred to The Arc of Minnesota, and the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James White
Ann Lindstrom
August 1, 2011
Dr. White was one of my favorite professors at St. Cloud State University. I worked as a research and teaching assistant in the philosophy department and got to know Jim before he retired. He gave me many of his philosophy and religious studies books that I still cherish today.
He was always witty, friendly, insightful, entertaining and smiling. This is a tragic loss and my sympathies go to his wife and his family and all those who were daily touched by his life.
July 28, 2011
Elena--As a Denverite and an "old" Dartmouth graduate and friend, I would like to convey my sorrow at hearing of Jim's death. We missed him at our 50th reunion,early June, and it is now obvious why he didn't feel he was able to attend. We did enjoy his humor and his folksy way and his superb skiing skills.
Jim McElhinney
Dartmouth '61
Eleanor Ganong Murphy
July 28, 2011
Hello Elena,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am for this inexplicable sadness that has been visited upon you and your family.
You and I have not been in contact for many years now, but you have been in my thoughts as I remember our good "growing up" together in friendship and competition with smiles.
I hope the good times you and your sons shared with Jim will give you strength to overcome this family tragedy, so you will continue the fulfilling and adventurous life you have always led.
My heart is crying with yours at this time of great sorrow for a productive life too soon lost to life's last battle.
Tim Hellwig
July 27, 2011
Jim was a true original and his penchant for healthy skepticism and critiques of American capitalism are in short supply at the moment. He will be sorely missed. My sympathies go out to Elena, Mike, and Leif.
Jamie Molitor
July 21, 2011
I am glad I got to cross paths with Jim while I worked at Out-n-About Gear.
His wit, wisdom and humor always made the days and weeks better and brighter.
Plus, Jim was just fun to have around the shop.
My thoughts and condolences go out to Jim's family and his friends. You will be missed on so many levels.
Gary Crandall
July 19, 2011
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival we send out condolences to the family and friends of Jim. I will sincerely miss handing him his first in age class award at our event. He was truly one of the great long time competitors as well as a wonderful friend of the event. Best regards to all.
July 18, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the family of James White from the Dr.'s and Staff of Northway Eye & CL Center and Gaida's Opticians. We have enjoyed helping James all these years and he will be truly missed.
travis kent
July 18, 2011
Jim was a good friend and neighbor, it was always a pleasure to visit with him and I admired and respected him for his academic achievements as well as his tremendous athletic ability...he was an awesome bicycle enthusiast and was always a fierce competitor at so many bicycle competition events...the younger cyclists looked up to Jim as their mentor and good friend. I will miss his friendly comments and oftentimes good advice on a variety of neighborhood issues. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family.
Jack Baker
July 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I raced against James "Crash" many times in mountain biking and cross country skiing. He was a one of a kind man and indeed will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are definitely with your during this time.
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