James R. Cargill

Cargill, James R . Age 82, of Edina, passed away on Sunday, March 26, following a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Janet, his sister, Margaret, his children, Jim (Susan), Austen (Cynthia) and Marianne (Steve), and six grandchildren. He was the grandson of W.W. Cargill, the founder of Cargill, Incorporated. Jim gave many years of dedicated service to Cargill. After working summers for the company from 1939 to 1941, he joined Cargill permanently in 1947 in an advertising position in the animal nutrition business. In 1955, he led Cargill's first use of an electronic digital computer relating to the linear programming of animal feed formulations, an award-winning innovation that revolutionized the feed industry. In addition to his leadership in feed, he held a variety of management posts within the company, including in chemical and poultry products, research and development, and the application of technology to communications. Jim retired from Cargill as a senior vice president in 1989. He served on the Cargill Board of Directors from 1963 to 1995. Born in Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 9, 1923, he grew up in Minneapolis. He graduated from Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Ill., and, after spending three years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II (mostly in Europe), attended the University of Minnesota. In addition to his contributions to Cargill, Incorporated, he was a supporter of the University of Minnesota from which he received a Distinguished Service Award and where he developed Dinnaken Properties, an affordable, high-quality student housing complex. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a supporter of conservation through organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited. He also owned and operated J. B. Hudson Jewelers, a respected retailer of fine jewelry, china and crystal. Private services will be held this week. Memorials may be made to the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation and Ducks Unlimited.