James Donovan Fellman

On October 10, 2024, Dr. James D. Fellman (Jim) died peacefully at age 82 surrounded by family following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.
Jim was born in Red Lake Falls, MN in March of 1942, the second of six children. He graduated from Lafayette High School and went on to attend St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He transferred to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry earning his DDS, with honors, in 1967.
After graduation, Jim joined the United States Navy serving as a Lieutenant in the Dental Corps in San Diego, California and Adak, Alaska. After his commitment, he returned to the University of Minnesota to earn a degree in Orthodontics. During his early Orthodontic career he remained in the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
Jim established his First Orthodontic practice in 1971 in Duluth, MN, eventually opening a second office in nearby Cloquet. He served as president of the Northeastern District Dental Society from 1980-1981. In the late 80's, Jim became Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, an accolade that less than 30% of orthodontists achieve. From 1992-1993 he served as President of the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists. After treating multiple generations of patients, Jim sold his practice and retired full time in 2008.
While Jim worked hard, he also made time for his passions, particularly the outdoors. No matter the hunting or Fishing season, he stood ready to embrace it. He didn't limit himself to the midwest either and made many expeditions out West, up into Canada, and to several African countries.
Another passion was running. Jim completed many marathons and half marathons. He was proud to qualify for and Finish the Boston Marathon.
Jim was accomplished in many hobbies including piloting light aircraft, and building structures like saunas, playhouses, furniture and garden sheds. He found joy in watching his children's and grandchildren's sporting events.
Jim traveled the globe with his wife of 37 years, Kerri, but spent most of his time away from home in Lutsen and Costa Rica. Jim also tracked down and formed a bond with long lost relatives in Sweden helping to complete the family tree from old country to new. He loved sharing his favorite places with family, and of course, turned many strangers along the way into friends through his gift of gab.
After living in Duluth for 52 years, Jim moved with Kerri to the Twin Cities to be closer to family and their grandchildren. It would be Jim's last big adventure in this life. Now he's exploring places we can only imagine. Rest assured, if there's a lake there, he's got a line in. If there is a clearing, he's got a hunting stand up. And if there's a stranger in need of a friend, he's lending an ear. But whatever he's doing, he's with the many family members who welcomed him home.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Glen N. Fellman and Eleanore Fellman Platt.
He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Kerri Trogan Fellman; sons Glen (Kate) of
Durham, NC; Craig (Jennifer) of Duluth, MN; James Jr. (Amanda) of Plymouth, MN; daughters Ann (Brennan) Jones of Edina, MN; Ingrid (Jason) Resch of Excelsior, MN; grandchildren Liam, Elena, Jack, Emma, Lucy, Kirsi, Aili, Fredrik, James, and Nikolas; former wife, Judy Harvey of Wayzata, MN; and siblings Julie Horak of Bettendorf, IA; Maureen (Ron) Lehrer of Denton, TX; Valerie Larson Heyn of Thief River Falls, MN; Thomas (Kathy) of Fargo, ND; and Joan Hunter of Pendelton, SC.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy, 5000 West 50th & Highway 100 in Edina. Visitation will be held at 1:00. Refreshments and Fellowship will immediately follow the service. Inurnment will be
at Fort Snelling at a later date. In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be directed to
the Minnesota Dental Foundation's Mission of Mercy or an organization of your choice. www.washburn-mcreavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996