James (Jim) William Rustad
1942 - 2025
James (Jim) William Rustad
1942 - 2025
Obituary
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James (Jim) Rustad Obituary
Rustad, James William (Jim)
Age 83, of St Paul, MN passed away on September 23, 2025, after a short struggle with MDS syndrome and heart failure. He was preceded in death by his parents Arne and Maxine Rustad.
Jim graduated Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota with degrees in Chemical Engineering, Law, and an MBA. He was president of the student body and an active member of the ATO fraternity. He maintained those friendships throughout his life.
Jim retired from RBC Wealth Management in 2005, where he was a financial consultant to individuals and small companies. This gave him time to pursue his passion for the arts. He especially liked organizations that were small, showed potential for growth and needed community and fiduciary support. He chaired the boards of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, Park Square Theatre, and the Weisman Art Museum. He was an active board member of the American Craft Council, COMPAS, Headwaters Foundation for Justice, and the American Refugee Committee (now Alight). He also took a very strong interest in Public Art Saint Paul and the SooVac Gallery for emerging artists. When Jim took on a responsibility with an organization, he gave it his all. He said you show up, spread the word about the organization to others, and do your part to help the organization succeed. Both Jim and Kay enjoyed traveling and visiting museums, galleries, and art openings. They collected art, largely from Minnesota artists, and frequently opened their home for events in support of non-profits.
An incredible networker, Jim enjoyed connecting people. He listened carefully to people, cared about their concerns and interests, and frequently made important connections for them. He was quiet, humble, loyal, a mentor, and a great friend. Besides, he was witty, funny, and very humorous.
He is survived by Kay Thomas, his partner and best friend for over 30 years: sons Andrew (Tara) and Ted: and grandchildren Dalton, Bradley, Ayden, and Jacob; and other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette, Minneapolis. A reception/party will follow the ceremony with Dixieland music which he played and loved. Parking is available in an underground ramp below the church. The service will be live-streamed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Minnesota Museum of American Art, Park Square Theatre, the American Craft Council, or to the University of Minnesota Law School for students showing a commitment to social justice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kristin Makholm
November 8, 2025
I just read of Jim´s passing and am so sad to hear this. Jim was an amazing supporter of the arts and a champion of my work to reestablish the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St Paul. I will never forget his quiet grace, compassion, and humor. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Kay and Jim´s family. He will be greatly missed.
David nicholson
November 8, 2025
Jim and I crossed paths for only a short time, but it was meaningful. As a new executive director at Headwaters, he was both my toughest critic and my fiercest supporter. He pushed me to be clear in my thinking, and once he understood, he stood beside me fully.
Many talk about allyship-Jim lived it. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
I know for you he was a father, friend husband, and partner-and you were lucky to share so many years of his fierce love. I feel lucky, too, for the time I had with him.
With sympathy and respect,
David Nicholson
Valli & Ted Sauer
November 7, 2025
To Kay and the Rustad family,
It saddens our hearts in loosing Jim as an amazing neighbor at our lake cabin in Wisconsin. We spent many hours enjoying Jim`s hospitality and amazing cooking while watching the lake and listening to the loons. No words can express how much we will miss his warmth, humor, generosity, and discussing our views of the world. We are so blessed to have so many fond memories of shared evenings with Jim and Kay on the deck at Mallard Lake. We are thankful for the gift that he gave us in being a true friend.
Valli and Ted Sauer
Betsy Cobb
November 7, 2025
My condolences to Kay and Jim´s family. I meet Jim and Kay working with the Park Square Theatre board and liked them both tremendously. Jim was a wonderful man, a generous patron of the arts and will be greatly missed. I am so glad I did get to know him. Betsy Cobb
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Michael Bahl
November 2, 2025
My sincere condolences to Kay and Jim's family. I met Jim and Kay when I worked as custodian at the Airye. They found out that I was an artist and became great supporters of my work in so many ways. For the last five years Jim would pick me up and take me grocery shopping every week where we would discuss many topics to which he applied his understated wit and broad sense of humor. He was a true and always reliable supporter of my artwork and a dear friend, especially after my wife passed. I thank him for being a patient teacher and counselor
Georgina Lorencz
October 20, 2025
My condolences to Kay and the family. I got to meet Jim on a number of occasions. He always had a warm smile. After a life well lived, may he rest in eternal glory.
Judy Hawkinson
October 17, 2025
Deepest condolences to Kay and Jim´s family. Jim and I crossed paths many times over the years because of his civic engagement and deep commitment to arts and the community. He was a sweet and generous soul, and he will be deeply missed by everyone he touched.
Judy Hawkinson
Nonprofit Leader
Monica, Jim and Chris Clancy
October 14, 2025
God bless you Ted and your family in this time of sorrow.
Colles
October 11, 2025
Jim Rustad was a true sparkler, adding dimension to any gathering. He was a great communicator, always smiling and extending a hand in friendship, offering solid advice when needed and pushing the envelope when it came to supporting causes that offered benefits to the life and citizens of his chosen cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis. And, OH, he was SO funny - frequently sharing photos of discovered, misspelled signage, funny signs, an appealing plate of food, a photo of Kay solemnly reading the morning paper while
seated on a crate in a room emptied of all furniture awaiting a remodel.
Jim Rustad,
A model citizen and,
Yes, a "Rare Bird"! And
YES! Jim, You will be sorely missed!
Alisa Eland
October 8, 2025
Jim was a welcoming, warm, and generous person. He was a wonderful cook, a supporter of the arts and important causes, and he had a great sense of humor. We will miss him! Our condolences to Kay and the rest of the family.
-Alisa and Kevin
STEPHEN J DIMENNA
October 8, 2025
All of us at Park Square Theatre are deeply saddened Jim´s passing . He was a beloved patron and great friend of the theatre. He will be deeply missed
John Romano
October 6, 2025
Kay, I was so sorry to learn about Jim's death. He was a tremendous community leader, serving so many organizations in the Twin Cities and beyond. I fondly remember garherings of international visitors at your home in St. Paul. I trust that the love and life that you shared with Jim over many years will help to sustain you during this time.
Diane Hofstede
October 6, 2025
I served with Jim as a board member with Jim on the American Craft Council. Everything written in Jim´s obituary is true. He was fun, and a great dinner guest with Kay, an incredible team! I will miss Jim and his wisdom. Diane Hofstede
Reggie Boyle
October 6, 2025
Jim was a much loved and respected member of The Skylight Club, a 135-year-old dining club, for the past 20 years and he will be sorely missed. RIP Jim, we will remember your wine commentaries for years to come. With sympathy and condolences to Jim's family,
Reggie Boyle, Non-President, The Skylight Club.
Dan Hathaway
October 6, 2025
I am saddened to read of Jim´s passing. While living at the Airye Condominium, I had the privilege of knowing Jim and Kay primarily because we kept bumping into each other at various non-profit meetings and fund raisers, not to mention the elevator and farmers market. Condolences to Kay, family and the non-profit community that he supported.
Meredith McQuaid
October 6, 2025
Rest in peace, Jim -- you made the world a better place and created community wherever you went. Your support for international education and cross-cultural understanding was demonstrated through your love of Kay and her work, as well as your deep interest in art and culture. You will be deeply missed in so many ways.
Marilyn Amundson
October 5, 2025
So sorry for your tremendous loss, Kay! I will always remember Jim for his culinary skills. It was an education watching him cook as he was so willing to answer questions! Of course, anything he cooked was a special meal. He always had a great main dish to contribute to Airye potlucks. A kind and courteous man who will be missed by many.
Eileen Hanson-Kelly
October 4, 2025
My condolences to my dear friend, Kay, and to Jim's family. The three of us grew up together - grade school (Nathan Hale), Junior High (Ramsey) and High School (Washburn). The WHS Class of '59 voted Jim the "Wittiest" - and he was throughout his life. He was also a gourmet cook and wonderful host. I enjoyed many meals created in his kitchen and I cherish those memories of a man who lived life to the fullest.
Debra deNoyelles
October 3, 2025
What a tremendous loss to our arts community. Jim was a champion for The Soap Factory, and I loved seeing him and Kay at SooVac. All my love to Kay and everyone who was nourished by knowing Jim.
Teresa Sterns
October 3, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim on the Minnesota Museum Of American Art. He was definitely tireless in his pursuit of their expansion project. Besides that, he was a genuinely nice man. Jim, you will be missed. Love and peace to Kay and family left behind.
Barb Davis
October 3, 2025
Jim (and Kay) represent how to be a consistent supporter of the communities he cared about. Honored to have known him and have the opportunity to partner with him in making our Twin Cities better! May his memory be a blessing to Kay & Family and all his friends!
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