Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Opseth Eckblad
James Opseth Eckblad
Obituary
Guest Book
James Eckblad Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
George Jones
November 4, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kathy Hancock
January 5, 2006
The first time Will brought me to Minnesota I was harrased by Jim. Being fresh out of New Jersey, Jim was extemely impressed with that blonde Jersey girl with the foreign language she spoke. Every time I mentioned the "dawg",or having some "cawfee", Jim gave me that look like "what planet are you from." Having Jim and Pat stand up for Will and I when we got married in Maui in 1983 ( on their 25th Anniversary) was a great honor. You will be in our hearts forever!
Jim, you always teased me about my t-shirt- "Hug a winner, Kiss a loser". Well you are a winner with me my friend.
Keep laughing!
Love, Kathy Hancock
Bill & Maggie Hancock
November 27, 2005
Pat,Laurie and Todd,it's hard to express the loss we feel with Jim's passing. Our association with your family goes back to 1965. We had wonderful times together as neighbors, the trips we took and the vacations were great.
Jim was a sepcial friend and always a joy to be with. We can never forget the "projects" we did. There were always a lot of laughs what ever we did.
The trip back to see you all in August was extremely important to us. Jim's sense of humor was an inspiration to us and something we will never forget.
Our prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely.
Bill & Maggie
Jason Eckblad
November 27, 2005
Jim lives in my memory as one of the funniest and nicest members of the family. Also as a shining example of those "Eckblad good looks". I'm so sorry to hear he's gone, but now heaven is alot more fun.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Diane Buresh Harrison
November 23, 2005
Pat & Family
I'm sorry to hear of the death of Jim. Our family connection goes back many years. I've thought of you both as you & Jim were always the life of the party...smiles, jokes and compliments for all(even us kids) Jim was a great example of a good friend of my folks and adult friend to me. With sympathy and prayers, Diane & Kevin
Bob and Paula Buresh
November 22, 2005
The many good times we had with the Eckblads - skiing, New Year's at the lake, get togethers through the years are great memories. Jim was a wonderful example of how to live life with joy and a wonderful example of how to face death with dignity, acceptance and good nature. We know the family will miss him, as we will, but we are happy that his suffering from this terrible disease is over. Somewhere his deceased family is waiting with a smile for Jim to arrive.
Bob Filipczak
November 21, 2005
Todd, Laurie and Pat,
I'm sad that you had to lose him, but I'm glad he finally got free of that horrible disease. I remember him as the coolest father on the block, the one with the odd sense of humor that I didn't understand until I got older. I always think of him in his natural habitat--the garage--working on projects and talking to us kids.
I saw him a year ago, and despite the physical limitations, you could see that his soul was fighting and winning against the ALS. At least that's how it seemed to me. I will smile when I think of Mr. Eckblad, and that is a testimony to the way he lived.
Dick and Dorothy Chilkott
November 19, 2005
We were so sorry to hear of Jim's death, but we know that he suffered a long time too.
We are so thankful for all the attention both of you have taken with our daughter, Gretchen, even allowing her to stay in your home for a month or so in 1982.
We, of course, knew you through Laurie and her friendship with Gretchen. We know how much both of you mean to her, and how very kind you always have been to her.
You will be in our prayers, Pat.
Paula (Ranum) Buxton
November 16, 2005
Jim was like a second to Dad to all of Laurie and Todd's college friends from Gustavus. I remember many good times at the Eckblad's home in Edina, visiting and giggling with Laurie, Jim and Pat, on the three season porch. He lived the college years vicariously through his children. He was really loved by the Gusties who made his acquaintance. Thanks for all the good times Jim.
My love to Pat, Laurie (Eckus to many) and Todd!
Paula
Duncan Lasley
November 16, 2005
I first met Jim a few years ago at Bryant Lake Park. My brothers and I had the pleasure of introducing Jim to the game of Disc Golf. He was lousy at it, but we laughed til we cried for two hours straight. It was a great day! I'm very happy for his promotion, and thankful for the opportunity to share a day with him. Love and Light....All Things Bright!
Scott Nord
November 15, 2005
Jimmy was one of the finest men I have ever met. Always upbeat and cheerful and fun to be around. He was also a great friend to my parents, especially my dad. I bet Jimmy and Dick are in heaven now driniking martini's and telling stories. We will miss him.
nancy reitan martin
November 14, 2005
so very sorry for your loss. our love and prayers are with you and your family. celabrate jim's life, and thank God you were allowed to share a small part of it with him. may
God be with you and help ease your pain at this time. nancy & john martin
James Hynes
November 14, 2005
Jim was a wonderful man! It was my pleasure to know him and work with him on some projects over the past 18 years. Know that his family and close friends are in the thoughts and prayers of TCPT employees and friends.
Bonnie Gallagher
November 14, 2005
Eckblad Family: Just wanted to express my condolences and share a couple of memories that I have about your very special Jim.
First and foremost his smile - it was always there, followed by his full body laugh.
He had a very generous spirit. He once found/invented a job for me when I was out of work. He was so encouraging and positive, that he had me believing I could do anything if I set my mind to it. His enthusiasm was infectious. He ALWAYS saw the bright side of things.
He was a champion at the art of BS. He could talk to anyone about anything, and was alway curious about others side of the story. He definitly had the "gift of gab".
"Nothing that is loved is ever lost.
No one who has touched a life, who has brought beauty or laughter to the world, is ever truly gone."
He will be missed.
Bonnie Gallagher
Don and Shirley Schesso (Hemmingsen)
November 13, 2005
Pat and Family
We are sorry to hear about Jim. It is difficult to lose a husband, father and grandfather at such a young age. You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you.
Dave & Heidi Hawkinson
November 13, 2005
It`s hard to lose a dear friend such as Jim. May Pat and her family find solace in the fact Jim was loved by so many.
George Jones
November 11, 2005
I'm always sorry to see one of my high school friends pass on but I know that he's went to a better place where there's no pain and suffering. It's always hard for those family members who have been left behind. God Bless you!
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in James Eckblad's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Eckblad's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored