James E. "Jim" Simser

Celebrating the Life of James "Jim" Simser, age 85 of Fairmont, MN. Jim passed away surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, October 18, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday October 25, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont. There will be military honors outside of the church following the service provided by the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 and Martin County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1222. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday October 24, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Jim was born on August 2, 1939, in Blue Earth, MN to Kenneth and Muriel Simser of Blue Earth. He graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1957 and Mankato State College in 1961 with a degree in secondary education. In 1962, Jim entered Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport News, Virginia. He proudly served his country on active duty through 1965 and in the Naval Reserve until 1977, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.
Jim was united in marriage to Winn Ann Zaun on June 15, 1963. They lived in Honolulu, HI, San Diego, CA, Norwood, MN, New Richland, MN and Fairmont, MN until Winn Ann's passing after 50 years of marriage in 2013.
Jim had a successful 35-year career as an educator, coach and administrator across three high schools. He impacted the lives of countless students and athletes who remained in touch long after leaving the classroom and field and had the mutual respect of the many coaches he coached with and against over the years. As head football coach at New Richland-Hartland High School and Fairmont High School, his teams won over 200 games, including two state championships in 1976 and 1978. He was named the MN State High School League Football Coach of the Year in 1978 and following his retirement was inducted in its Hall of Fame in 2000.
Retirement didn't slow Jim down as he continued serving as a mentor for student teachers at Mankato State University, drove van for CREST and was an active volunteer for numerous organizations in the Fairmont community including Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Dollars for Scholars, and St. John Vianney church. If there was a sporting event at Fairmont High School, he was likely there unless out of town following the exploits of his grandchildren or spending time with his special friend Mary Jo Haaland, the Friday night card club or the Good Old Boys & Girls retired teachers' group.
Jim is lovingly remembered by sons Bill (Amy) of Apple Valley, MN, Mike (Lynette) of Minneapolis, MN, Mark (Lisa) of Shoreview, MN and Dave of Coon Rapids, MN; sister Carolyn (Tom) Fischer of Mason City, IA, brother Tom (Jayne) Simser of South St. Paul, MN, sister Mary Beth Simser of Mankato, and brother-in-law Dick Zaun of Roseville, MN; eight grandchildren Andrew, Adam, Allison (Jaye), Ben, Nick, Jack, Luke and Dylan; many nieces and nephews; Mary Jo Haaland of Marshall, MN. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Winn Ann, his sister DeeAnn Simser, and sister-in-law Mary Zaun.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Woodland Manor, Lakeview Methodist, Mayo Clinic-Fairmont and UHD Hospice for their loving care, as well as dad's many friends for their kindness and support for all these years. Memorials preferred to the St. John Vianney school endowment fund or Fairmont Dollars for Scholars. Visit www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net for information and guest book. Blessed be his memory!