James B. Loons

James "Jim" Benjamin Loons, age 60, of Barnum, Minnesota, went onto his next journey to be with our Lord on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at his home with his beloved wife by his side. Jim was born on March 16, 1965. He graduated high school and went on to receive certificates from both technical and vocational college. After losing his father at the age of 17, Jim developed a passion for boxing and moved to Denver, Colorado. Jim signed with Sam Boardman as a professional boxer and did very well for himself. He spent four years as a professional boxer before meeting the mother of his children. Though their paths later went separate ways and Jim followed his wish to return to Minnesota, his pride and commitment as a father endured. Jim went to work for Murphy Oil (now Cenovus Energy) in Superior, Wisconsin. He was incredibly proud of his more than 30-year-long career there.

During a summer visit from his daughter years later, she decided she wanted to remain by his side. Jim made the long drive to Minnesota multiple times a year to remain the best father he could be. His world felt complete when he was granted full custody of his daughter – until he met the true love of his life, Linda. Linda changed his perspective on marriage, and together they built a loving life as husband and wife. Believing his life was richly fulfilled, he was soon confronted with a serious illness. In what became one of the toughest fights of his life, Jim was determined to meet his grandchild who was about to enter the world. He let everyone know he had no plans of leaving just yet. Jim wanted to spend as much time as possible with his granddaughter, Neveah, and enjoyed laughs wrestling and creating new moves like "The Brain Buster," "The Pillow," and more. He loved teaching her how to box for fun. She was the biggest highlight of his life, and his grandchildren meant the world to him.

He also cared for his community and managed to put on three free amateur boxing events for youth. Jim was so excited to give back. He also loved hunting (especially moose), fishing, and visiting antique shops with his wife. Jim had a passion for classic muscle cars and trucks, owning and pursuing many over the years. He will truly be missed.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Loons; daughter, Josephine Antoinette Sueling-Loons; stepchildren, Lance and Alea Redetzke; grandchildren, Afia and Hayden Redetzke, and Neveah Fox. He was preceded in death by his father, James Loons Sr.; brother, John "Bug" Loons; parents-in-law, John Steinmetz Jr. and Theresa Sims; and sister-in-law, Lori Elliott.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service. Interment will follow at New Holy Family Cemetery in Cloquet. A luncheon will be at the Cloquet Community Center ENP. Nelson Funeral Care was entrusted with arrangements.