James Edward Erickson

James Edward Erickson, 85, of Plymouth, Minn., passed away peacefully May 26, 2016. Jim was a caring, steadfast, loving father, husband and grandpa. Family was the most important thing to him and we loved him for it. Jim enjoyed extensive travel, especially to his motherland, Sweden, throughout his life. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed volunteering for numerous organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The American Swedish Institute and was a Rotarian for many years.

Jim served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a chemical engineering degree. His professional career spanned over 30 years at The Dow Chemical Co. Jim was born in Chicago, Ill. and spent the majority of his adult life in Midland. After retirement, he moved to Plymouth, Minn. to be near family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Leanne; daughters, Lucinda Ross (Bob) and Amy Klump (Dave); and son, Cary Erickson (Darla). He was a fantastic grandfather to his grandchildren, Tamara Ross Fultcher, Mike Ross, Blair Erickson, Cole Erickson, Emily Klump, Andrew Klump and Ryan Klump.

Memorials can be made to The American Swedish Institute (http://www.asimn.org) or Chippewa Nature (http://www.chippewanaturecenter.org) in lieu of flowers. Due to the importance of family to Jim, we are planning a celebration of his life in late August when the whole family can be together in Minnesota.