Lupient, Jim 1934 to 2011 Following a long and determined struggle with the complications of Parkinson's Disease, Jim Lupient left this life with peace and dignity. On the beautiful Sunday morning of August 14th, Jim went on to eternal life with his Heavenly Father. Having earned local, national and international acclaim for his automotive and real estate acumen, Jim was known as an ethical, audacious and self- made businessman. He was that, and so much more to those who truly knew him. He was a husband and loving partner to Barbara, his wife of 34 years; he was a proud father to his six children: Michael, Rick, Sandy Halseth (Dave), Jeff (Elizabeth), Jennifer (Richard Webb) and Teri Paynter; and he was a spoiling grandfather to his 6 grandchildren: Jacqueline, Joey, Lisa, Samantha, Alex and Matthew. Summer celebrations on Gull Lake will never be the same without Grandpa Jimmy. A kind and caring man, Jim was a steadfast friend. He attracted and kept friends with his good humor, silly jokes, constant generosity and fun-loving nature. With random acts of kindness, Jim made life a little brighter for many. Long after the onset of Parkinson's, Jim was a fun host to his Thursday morning tennis group. In golf, he claimed to be the "best putter in the world" and enjoyed the friends even more than he enjoyed the game. Jim was a first class party thrower who loved having people in his home, and was always available for a game of cards if someone had a deck. As an owner, leader and employer, Jim inspired legendary loyalty; many employees stayed with the Lupient businesses for their entire careers. Jim's legal and financial advisors were with him from his first deal through all of the hits and misses of his career. In addition, Jim was richly involved in the life of the community: Better Business Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Dunkers, Bank Director, North Memorial Hospital and Foundation Boards, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and other organizations. Generosity in many forms marked Jim's life. Born in South Dakota on November 14, 1934, Jim moved with his family to Saint Paul and then soon to Northeast Minneapolis when Jim was in grade school. Jim attended parochial school right up to Saint Thomas Academy, but he was unable to graduate when his father died and he became the support for his mother and three sisters. Without a high school diploma, but with a sharp mind, perseverance and a fabulous work ethic, Jim began his career in the automobile business at Schmelz Brothers' Kaiser Frazer. Jim's meteoric rise as a salesman took him to several other dealerships until he built his first store, Jim Lupient Oldsmobile, in 1969. The rest is Minnesota business history. In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived and remembered by an ex-wife, Colleen, three sisters: Irene, Yvonne (Ron), Ginny (Jim) and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. The Lupient family recognizes and thanks the special people who made Jim's life richer following the onset of Parkinson's: Drs. Eric Ahlskog and Scott Litin of the Mayo Clinic, Drs. Bill Conroy and nurse Faye Kamrath of Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital; and Jim's nurses at home: Laura, Lynn, Connie, Roseanna, Jackie and Rachel. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Mayo Clinic (200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905) or the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55411). A celebration of Jim's amazing life and love will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, August 18th at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. There will also be a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, August 17th from 4-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. and Hwy. 100