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James Jensen Obituary
James is survived by his daughters Jessica Jensen and Beth Johnson; son-in-law Nicholas Johnson; and his cherished grandsons, Chip and Ike Johnson, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy Ward (Jerry) and Susan Bison (Steve) along with sister-in-law Linda Hale (Gregory), brother-in-law Robert Engwer (Susan), brother-in-law Scott Engwer (Lou), sister-in-law Valerie Pearson (Steve), sister-in-law Lonna Christensen (Scott), brother-in-law Mark Engwer, brother-in-law Bart Engwer (Jeanine) and many, many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
James was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A devoted husband and father, he found his greatest joy in being "Papa" to his grandsons. Whether teaching them lifelong skills or cheering them on at school and sporting events, James treasured every moment spent with Chip and Ike. His unwavering love and dedication leave an indelible mark on their lives and a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him.
A military ceremony will be held in early spring at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where James will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Pamela. Details regarding the service will be shared by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. May James's memory bring comfort to all who loved him.
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2 Entries
Dick, Peggy, Maxie, Rover Minniear
February 6, 2025
Dear Jim (& Pam, too):
Where to start? We are stunned, but not surprised. Obviously, your Passing is part of God's Master Plan....just shy of 8 months since Pam was called "Home". I'll always remember sobbing on your shoulder at Pam's memorial service. You told me: "We are sad for ourselves but we know she is in a better place." You were standing strong & firm on your Faith. I'm sure glad you had Lulu & all your human kids to support you 'til you were ready to go "Home" to your beloved Pam. Dick & I are now crying for missing you both. We have our memories.....how many times you & Dick repaired our tandem "ran-over" mailboxes. You would come over (across the street) & say "Hey, Tricky, how can I help?" Dick taught you how to dumpster-dive for the new mailbox repair wood. How about the day we came back from our lake with a cooler full of crappies to fillet?! Your classic laugh & offer to help: "I'll go get my fillet knife!" Your past gift of grouse or duck was redeemed with black crappie fillets.
The 4 wheelin' adventure at our cabin was so fun! You & Pam each on your own Grizzly ATV's & me & Dick on ours. We spent all day out on the Northern MN trails! So fun! Sorry, our "tiny house" cabin accommodations weren't as fun! ;0] You & Dick always exchanged fishing tips & we attended your 'Deer View Mirror' expo. We unclogged your sewer when you were on one of your out-of-town work trips. (Pam could always call us when in need.) We still laugh about your St.Louis trip that fell-through: they wouldn't let you rent a car 'cause your D.L. was expired. We remember the time we helped you fix your fence & the time you came over & helped us cut up our fallen tree. "I'll go get my chainsaw." ......Or helped us get our new waterheater in the basement. Jim, you were always happy to help us. Just like when you gave us the little "sample" fire extinguishers. I told you a few weeks later how they saved us from TWO major fires! (Toaster flashed over under cabinets & ATV battery flames would have exploded igniting our cabin & forest!) The only hydrant is a standpipe out of the non-freezing spring 15 miles away (transported by a 1970's LeFrance)! Your gifts literally saved us!!! I still carry your little "sample" extinguisher in my Yukon & ATV. So, when you guys were getting ready to move, I asked you for more extinguishers. In true Jim Jensen style, with no hesitation you said "No more little ones left, but I'll see what I can get from Nick". You gave us TWO real-sized ones (we know you can't them them at Menards)! You never asked for $, so I gave you 2 new shirpa-style blankets as a barter. I told you we got the better end of the trade! Shortly after that was your necessary move.....away from us...your long-time friends across the street. No longer would we see you sit out front with your little Abby or see family & friends come over every Thursday for pooltime fun. The move broke our hearts but we knew you both had to leave the challenge of your old 3 story house to live in a 1 story home next to Beth, Nick, Chip & Ike. The one time we visited we knew it was perfect for you. The woodsy backyard with deer was great, too. The following years were annual Pam-initiated restaurant visits. We knew what an awesome husband you were, but we could really see your hero side as you bravely supported both you & Pam through the medical challenges. A soldier, just like your military service.....and Prayer Warrior, too. After that, January, 2025, your birthday month.....we always sent Pam a birthday card in April, as she did us.
We never knew your actual birthday. We gave you a deluxe drill bit set for your birthday years ago. Again, you rang out your classic Jim laugh. Pam said you were so grateful & loved it. So this year your birthday was strongly tugging at my heart strings. We sent your card on the 24th not knowing your birthday was the 6th. On the 30th Nick notified us of your Passing on the 28th. Nick said our card was on your table. It was then that I realized the dream I had THAT MORNING was of you! Pam was waving at you to get in the hearse & then we put her in there, too. Oh, Jim & Pam....so much to say because you are the best neighbor friends EVER!!! Dick & I will see you in Heaven & I'll always remember how you let me sob on your shoulder for Pam. I'm sobbing on this letter for missing you, but I remember what a great man once told me: "We are sad for ourselves, but know [you] are in a better place".
Love you & Pam eternally &
Prayers for your family.
Forever friends.....
Dick, Peggy, Maxie &
Rover in Spirit ~ ~ ><>
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Susan (Susie) Smith Bevar
January 31, 2025
I will always remember our family's visit to see Uncle Jim and Aunt Pam at their home in St. Paul in 1992. WE had two little children and we had just moved to Rochester. Jim and Pam were wonderful hosts and invited us to swim in their pool and have dinner with them outside in their backyard. It was a special time to reconnect since I grew up in California and we didn't see each other very often. For once we came to visit him instead of Jim coming to see us! Jim cooked up big steaks and they were delicious. He was such a good cook! It was comforting to know that my uncle lived nearby as we adjusted to our new life in Minnesota, far away from our families. We only lived in Rochester a few years and then moved to Colorado so we didn't have very many visits together but I will always remember the time we did have. Jim had a fun sense of humor and was such a joy to be around. He made me feel important and special when we were together. Lots of love and happy memories! Susie Smith Becar (Judy's daughter)
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