James F. "Jim" White

1935 - 2026

James "Jim" F. White, age 90 of Farmington, MN, passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on January 15, 2026.

Jim was born on May 13, 1935, to Flavian "Bud" and Louise (Gephart) White in Lakeville, MN. He grew up in Lakeville and graduated from Lakeville High School in 1951. After high school, Jim attended St. John's University and then the University of Minnesota. He graduated with a degree in mortuary science, after which he began working with his father in the funeral business. To supplement his income, Jim sold furniture for his uncle and cousins at Gepharts Furniture store in Lakeville, a job he enjoyed. In 1961, he bought a funeral home in Farmington, renaming it White Funeral Home. In 1972, Jim bought out his father in Lakeville and expanded into Lonsdale, Apple Valley, and Burnsville.

Jim married Patricia "Pat" Fischer on June 7, 1958, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market, MN. Jim and Pat raised their seven children in Farmington and were longtime members of the Church of St. Michael.

Jim believed in hard work, family, good friends, and more hard work. Jim was a member of the Farmington Chamber, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a former member of the Lions Club, and sponsored many teams. He was elected to the MN State House of Representatives in 1974, serving from 1975 to 1979.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat (Fischer); his son-in-law, Mike Ferraro; his brother, Robert (Joan) White; his sister, Catherine Eilers; his sister-in-law, Darlene White; and brother-in-law, Jerry Hoffman.

Jim is survived by his children, Mark (Cheryl) White, Meg (Steve) Heintze, Michelle (Bobby) Schmitz, Mike White, Mary Pat Ferraro, Jimmy White, and John White; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sr. Mary White and Patty (Ed) Pendleton; brother, Tom; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Hoffman; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Church of St. Michael, 22120 Denmark Avenue, Farmington, MN, with the visitation on Sunday, January 25 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the White Funeral Home, 901 3rd Street, Farmington (651-463-7374) and also one hour before Mass at the church. Interment, All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Lakeville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sharing and Caring Hands, St. Michael's Church or All Saints Church.

White Funeral Home

Farmington 651-463-7374

Condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com