James "Jim" Luethmers

1940 - 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James "Jim" Luethmers, who left us peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Fargo, ND, at the age of 84.

He was born in Little Falls, MN, on August 28, 1940, to Lawrence and Bernice (Ringwelski) Luethmers. A proud graduate of Little Falls High School in 1958, Jim married his beloved Mary Zalusky on June 18, 1966, beginning a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion.

Jim spent much of his life in the grocery business, beginning as a young grocer before working his way up to manager for National Tea grocery stores. His hard work, integrity, and kind nature quickly earned him leadership roles, managing stores in East Grand Forks and International Falls. In 1988, he moved his family to Bemidji, MN, where he continued to serve his community in roles with Red Owl, Food 4 Less, Marketplace, and Teals.

A man of deep faith and strong character, Jim was a member of several organizations, including the Lions Club, Elk's Club, and Knights of Columbus. His love for the outdoors was a constant throughout his life-whether it was fishing, hunting, or tending to his garden. He learned his gardening skills from his mother, Bernice, and took great pride in cultivating plants, always with a smile on his face. There wasn't a plant he couldn't revive, and he often enjoyed the simple pleasure of pulling onions from the ground, wiping off the dirt, and eating them with a sprinkle of salt.

Jim had a sentimental side, saving everything from his children's schoolwork to baseball cards and coins, along with memorabilia from every store he managed. He was always excited to share these treasures with others, knowing the joy they would bring. His love of storytelling and jokes was well-known-he'd often bring photocopied jokes home to share with family at dinner, brightening everyone's day with his humor and warmth.

After defeating throat cancer, which took his voice, Jim never lost his vibrant social spirit. He continued to enjoy visiting with family and friends, often at Slim's Bar and Grill or Raphael's Bakery, where he would catch up with everyone. His deep affection for his grandchildren was a defining part of his life, and he loved nothing more than spoiling them with treats, taking them out to dinner, or making them their favorite eggs cooked in bacon grease. His signature phrase, "Eat, eat, eat," was one that he learned from his own mother and it became a cherished part of his family's legacy.

Jim had a special bond with animals, and they, in turn, adored him. His heart was big enough to embrace everyone, and he was always there to lend a hand, often showing up when you least expected it but always at just the right time. You never left his house empty-handed-whether it was a freshly picked garden vegetable or a small token of his generosity.

Though he fought hard, Jim was not ready to leave the love of his life, his children, and his grandchildren. His spirit remains with all of us, and he will forever be remembered for his gentle nature, his kindness, and his unwavering devotion to family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Luethmers; children, Michael (Amy) Luethmers, Jane Luethmers, Stephen (Amy) Luethmers, Susan (Tony) Freeman, and Bridget (Jake) Stalboerger; grandchildren, Branden, Morgen, and Kamden Luethmers, Madison and Carter Christensen, Isaac and Amelia Luethmers, Emylie, Elayna, Lola, and Lilian Freeman, and Sam, Olivia, and Madden Stalboerger; great-grandchild, Elliet Luethmers; brother Howard (Mary) Luethmers and numerous extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joann Palashewski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip's Catholic Church in Bemidji, MN on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, February 27 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji, MN, with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service.

We will forever carry Jim's memory in our hearts, and his love and laughter will continue to inspire us every day as we honor his memory by living our lives with joy and purpose.

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.