James Nicholas "Jim" Lungwitz

1937 - 2024

James Nicholas Lungwitz, 86, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024 at the Monticello nursing home. Jim resided in Elk River, Minnesota, with his wife, Kay. He is remembered lovingly by his family, and his big personality will be profoundly missed.

Jim was born on December 21, 1937, in Monticello, Minnesota, to his mother and dad, Anne and Shorty, and was the youngest of three children. He recounted memories of a good-natured small-town childhood, albeit one marked by the unease of a world at war. Jim had a favorite teddy bear, Chips (full name Chips Davis, purported to be a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress), who protected him in the night.

Jim joined the United States Navy Reserve in December of 1954, and graduated from Monticello High School in 1955. He majored in mathematics, first at Saint John's University and then at the University of Saint Thomas, where he earned his bachelor's degree.

Jim's first career was in computing. He took a job with UNIVAC, working in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Dayton, Ohio, and at NASA Goddard just outside of Washington, D.C. He then ventured out on his own, working on independent contracts for Norwest Bank and a host of other companies. Jim and Kay were married in 1967 and welcomed three children soon after: Jason, Molly, and Amy. A fast-paced job in computer programming meant time away from family, and a career change was in order.

His second career was in car books; that is to say, he bought and sold automotive literature with a focus on American classic cars. Jim had a real knack for the interpersonal artistry of buying and selling a humble and useful product. With a love of classic cars and a near-encyclopedic knowledge of mid-century automotive design details, he was well-suited to the bustle of swap meets as well as visits to service garages. He appreciated collectors, enthusiasts, and mechanics in equal measure. He'd quiz us kids on the Big Five automotive companies of the 1950s, he'd count Studebakers when everyone else was counting slugbugs, and he'd often joke that he could "smell car books" when we traveled. Later, he continued the book trade as an eBay seller. Car books were his business, but also one of his great loves.

Our dad enjoyed being self-employed and the flexibility that gave him to spend time with his kids, pausing his workday to play, check in after school, or drive us to activities. When interrupted by one of his children, he habitually said, "I always have time for you."

Jim and Kay, married 57 years, embraced adventure and made many moves with their family of five. They lived in several cities and quite a few homes in Minnesota, New York, and Colorado. Family vacations happened in the form of road trips across the U.S. - including memorable and educational trips around the eastern seaboard and across the desert southwest, exploring in particular the many regions and gems across the state of Colorado. Later, Jim and Kay traveled extensively, first with their camper and later their travel van. Dad loved the open road, history, and small town charms.

Jim also enjoyed designing houses. Several of our homes originated from designs our dad put to paper. He was proud of space-saving efficiencies and surprise details; our houses throughout the years included treasures like lofts, ladders, a secret passage, a phone booth, a mini golf green, a roller skating room, bonus garages, storm shelters, pass-through windows, and pocket doors. He loved a good pocket door.

Our dad could tell a story. Once he had your ear, all you could really do was settle in. And the jokes, teases, puns, one-liners, and dad-isms are renowned. T.W.D.A.F. - That's what dads are for.

Jim's playful side continued to shine brightly in his role as grandpa to Andy and Rylan. Grandpa Jim was a full and willing participant in everything from playtime and make-believe to band concerts and art shows. Rylan and Andy, he was so proud of you both.

Jim delighted in music - big band music and country music, balladeers and crooners, upright bass and steel guitar. He was a performer in his youth, playing a lively trumpet in regional dance halls (including opening night at the Medina Ballroom) with the Earl Baker Orchestra. When we lived in Colorado, Dad loved to visit the Air Force Academy and hear "Lord, Guard and Guide" performed by the cadet choir in the chapel. Music was a companion to him his whole life, and in the last weeks of his life he took great comfort in spending time with his kids listening to favorite songs by the likes of Tammy Wynette, Ray Price, and Patsy Cline.

Jim was proud to support many causes that were dear to him, including higher education and vocational education, and encouraged others to do the same. He was a member of the Church of St. Henry and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed time spent playing cards and visiting with friends. He made friends easily, and cared about keeping them. Our dad thought about and talked about so many of you, by name, often. If you think you may have been on Jim's roster of special people who were important to him, we want you to know you definitely were.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Anna "Anne" (Helgeson) and Hugo "Shorty" Lungwitz, sister Carolyn (Lungwitz) Phillips, and brother Dale Lungwitz.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen "Kay" (Malone) Lungwitz, son Jason Lungwitz, daughter Molly (Lungwitz) Williams, granddaughter Rylan Williams, daughter Amy (Lungwitz) Marc, son-in-law Ben Clasen, and grandson Andrew Praught, as well as nieces, nephews, and much-loved extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am, at the Church of St. Henry in Monticello, Minnesota. Interment to follow at St. Henry's Cemetery.

Dad always appreciated a bright plaid sport coat. Just saying.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello MN, 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.