James Alexander Woodhull

James Alexander (Jim) Woodhull of Hermantown, MN and Sarasota, FL passed away unexpectedly at home on August 24, 2024. He was born on November 28, 1942, in Duluth, MN, preceded in death by his parents Merle and Tarda Woodhull; mother-in-law and father-in-law Herbert and Margaret Bjorklund; and sister-in-law Joni Erlander.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son Darrin (Zulema), Sarasota, FL; son Todd (Kristen), granddaughters Alexandra and Samantha, Duluth, MN; brother-in-law Kurt (Renate) Bjorklund, Duluth, MN; sister Merle Jean (Richard) Ronning, Alborn, MN and nieces and nephews.

Jim met the love of his life Barbara Bjorklund in 1961 and they married on July 25, 1964; they recently celebrated their 60-year anniversary.

Jim grew up in Morgan Park and the West End and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1960.

Jim started driving trucks for Murphy Motor Freight Lines in 1964, and shortly thereafter became a Salesman and then an Agent along with this wife, Barb. In 1986 he started his own successful businesses, Jim’s Truck Service and Northwoods Trucking. A few years later his son Todd joined them both in the family business. In 2014 Jim sold the business and started a well-deserved retirement.

Jim was a member of Waters of Life Lutheran Church, and of Concordia Lutheran Church prior. He also belonged to the Duluth Retriever Club, Ridgeview Country Club, Ducks Unlimited, Transportation Club, and The Moose Lodge. In addition, Jim was a member of the UMD Booster Club having been a hockey season ticket holder for many years. 

He was instrumental in starting the Duluth Cathedral Sports Boosters. Jim’s dedication to this organization resulted in an annual Cathedral Rummage Sale to raise money for various youth sports and extracurricular activities.

Jim loved sports and even coached his two sons in baseball and hockey for many years. He later followed his granddaughters in their respective sports of tennis, dancing, and soccer.

Jim was an enthusiastic fan of the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Vikings and despite not living in Colorado (although his son lived there) he followed the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche.

Jim enjoyed fishing at home on Island Lake, the Florida Gulf, and he even flew into the Canadian Lakes numerous times. He took trips to Montana to hunt elk and fish in the streams with his friends. Of course, we cannot forget about the very special memories made every November at the hunting shack with his 2 sons, friends, and family.

Jim was always thrilled about traveling; various road trips around the country, family camping trips, and going abroad. He and Barb frequently vacationed in Mexico, as well as cruising which took them to Alaska and several memorable locations in Europe. Having everyone together for family trips was something that Jim thoroughly enjoyed.

Woodworking gave him much joy and satisfaction. He spent many hours in his workshop making gifts for family and friends. Jim also had a passion (and a green thumb) for gardening. He grew all kinds of tomatoes, lettuces, cucumbers, potatoes, and peppers in Duluth and Sarasota. He was always so happy to take friends and family on a tour of his garden. And as often as he could, Jim loved sitting around a bonfire relaxing.

Jim was very generous with his time and always offered to help anyone in need - he was quite the handyman.

Christmas with family and friends was one of Jim’s favorite times of the year, even though he always received the dreaded board game from “Santa”. But Jim always ended up participating with enthusiasm, a touch of competitiveness, and much laughter. 

Most importantly was Jim’s love for his family. He was a devoted husband to Barb, amazing father to Darrin and Todd, and he cherished his granddaughters Alex and Sam, who they called “Papa”.

Jim will be missed by all.

Visitation with be Saturday, Aug.31st from 3-5pm in the Dougherty Funeral Home. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be Sunday from 1-3pm at Ridgeview Country Club, 700 W Redwing St., Duluth, MN. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to, Salvation Army of Duluth, 215 S. 27th Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55806 or Animal Allies 4006 Airport Rd., Duluth, MN 55811. Sign the online register book at, www.dfhduluth.com. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.