James Lee Gillespie

Memorial services for James Gillespie of Graceville, formerly of Chokio will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, with Reverend David Tonn officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Burial will be in the Chokio Lutheran Cemetery, rural Chokio.

James L. Gillespie born November 1, 1933 to Donald O. Gillespie and Mabel A. (Spittle) Gillespie on the farm site south of Chokio. He grew up in the Chokio area. He was baptized July 7, 1940 at Zion Lutheran in Chokio. Was confirmed June 19, 1949. He attended grade school District 52 through the 8th grade and graduated from Chokio High School on May 28, 1952. Jim farmed with his dad and brother, Coke. After his dad’s death he continued to farm with his brother. They did custom corn shelling, baling, and raised several cattle and hogs. Jim was a self-taught machinic. He worked for Jo-Ko Manufacturing for several years. Jim was a Jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything

Jim was very active in the Chokio Sportsman Club, Pheasant Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Save a Lake, Graceville Gun Club, NRA Life member, and was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Jim went into the Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota in August of 2023. He enjoyed living there, living with all his new friends. He loved playing bingo and cards, made cookies and pies, going on their little trips in the bus and on the golf cart, and planting his tomato’s and his flower garden with Darcy at the home.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, going to auction sales, trapping, and having morning coffee at Ordell’s with the boys, and enjoying visiting with family and friends.

Jim died on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota. He was 91 years old.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Harvey (Nancy) Gillespie, Glen (Kahla) Gillespie, Donna Eystad, and Lois (Bernie) Van Eps; his sister-in-law’s: Doris Gillespie, Marilyn Gillespie, and Lynn Gillespie; and his God children: Kimberly (Gillespie) Holt, Wayne Gillespie, and Stacey (Gillespie) Spraque; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Mabel Gillespie; his brothers: Allen Gillespie, Paul Gillespie, Keith Gillespie, and Gary Gillespie; his brother-in-law: Duke Eystad; and his grandparents, uncles, and aunts.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Jim.