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Mel James Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Polly James
January 17, 2024
It has been 16 years and I still miss him a lot! Can't believe it has been this long.
Polly James
January 30, 2023
I miss him so much. Thinking of him always.
Lou Norgren
February 28, 2008
Having known Jamie since childhood and cub scout days...all the way through high school, it doesn't seem possible that he's gone. As a fellow barber, it was always fun to work with him at Cowboy Mels.
Jamie...save me a barber chair, and we'll work side-by-side again.
Happy Trails Partner.
David L. Kohler
February 25, 2008
I have known Jamie since Junior High School. He gave my son his first Barber Shop haircut at his establishment in Anoka in 1980. I always knew him as a very good friend, a buddy, a pal, a person I could rely on. Even though I have lived in New York for the past 46 years I was still his guest whenever I came to visit him, the last time for our 50th High school reunion. I was pleasantly surprised at his phenomenal memory as he filled me in on long lost information about people we knew, where we hung out etc. Also I know that he lived his last years in complete happiness with his loving wife, Pauline. Jamie and Pauline will always have a fond place in my heart.
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Jan Rootes
January 29, 2008
Jamie, you will be sorely missed. You touched the hearts of so many people - more than you know. It has been years since I brought my kids in to get their hair cut and we have only talked a few times since. You will not be forgotten. We will meet again some day. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends.
Pat Stewart
January 28, 2008
I met Jamie when Polly dated him in high school. It was a pleasant surprize when they got back together about ten years ago. Polly, the house is empty now, but Iam sure he's all around you with his smile and that twinkle in his eyes. Heaven is a wonderful place to be! Take comfort that you have many happy memories that the two of you experienced together. Jamie, "Happy Trails to You!" Love, Sister Pat
Bil & Barb Frederick
January 27, 2008
Polly, we are truly sorry for your loss. While I did not know Jamie, Bil remembers him and the barber shop. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
January 26, 2008
We are sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Ryan Berg and family.
Clay Spear
January 26, 2008
So sorry to hear about Jammie, I only meet him a few times, but he made an impression, he opened his home 2 me when i visited Minn. I'm sure he was well loved, since i heard 450 people came to the service. Theres nothing like small town love, The world will miss you Jammie...
Walter Dani Isaac & Coralie Bell
January 26, 2008
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire James family. I had the honor of having Cowboy Mel as not only my barber with great stories but as a friend whom shared many laughs and shared great conversation. Cowboy Mels represents Anoka and has lost an ambassador in the community. I will miss that great smile and laugh.
Mel, I will miss seeing and talking to you. You will never be forgotten.
You are in God's hands now.
God Bless
Carol Spear
January 26, 2008
I first met Jamie & Mel 46 yrs. ago at the Barber shop. Little did I know that one day he would become my brother-in-law. What a very special person, as he was always ready to help out, with a smile. I loved his sense of humor. As you lay your body to rest, may you celebrate your new life. You are loved & will be missed more than you can imagine. Blessings, my friend, til we meet again. Say Hello to John Wayne!
Brooke Moore (Liffrig)
January 26, 2008
I just heard of Jamie's passing...I'm so sorry I missed the service. I have many found memories of Jamie. Wishing you all peace.
Guy and Robin McDonald
January 26, 2008
Our family did not have the pleasure of meeting Jamie in person, but we know he brought joy to others, especially to those closest to him. We are sorry for your loss, and pray that your memories, and the memories of countless others, bring you comfort. Jesus said, "In this world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Let Him be your rock at this time; He will help you overcome your grief.
Mike Gundlach
January 25, 2008
I'm truly sorry for your family and the citizen's of Anoks. Jamie was an icon and friendly face who always had a story, topic of the day (news) and would even talk politics if you twisted his arm a bit (or a hair).
I visited Cowboy Mels for cuts even when living in Prior Lake. A good haircut and a story from an old time barber is hard to come by.
We'll miss you Jamie!
Wade Street
January 25, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. We've been coming to the barber shop for years, it's the only place my boys have had their hair cut. We all thought the world of him. He was what made Anoka such a great town. He will be missed by our family.
Wayne Flaten
January 25, 2008
So sorrry to hear of Jamie's (still Mel to us) early passing. Even though we havn't seen or talked to him for many years, it brings back many fond memories of youth hockey games in District 10 and of course at the Princeton Ice Arena. Our son Chris and Jamie played together for several years and against each other after Jamie moved to Anoka.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wayne and Melody Flaten
Mike Clark
January 25, 2008
Jamie,
Hollywood had the Duke but Jamie was Anoka's "Duke". Jamie was someone you could trust and always gave you his honest opinion. His smile would light up a room. Our thoughts and prayers go out to James family. Jamie (Jr.), you've got some big cowboy boots to fill. Make your dad proud. He always talked about family first whenever I'd be in the shop. He loved you all.
Katie Sherlock
January 25, 2008
Jon, Jan and Jerod-
I am very sorry to hear about your brother/uncle's passing. You will be in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Jill Erickson (Godrey)
January 24, 2008
I'm truly shocked to hear of Jamie's passing, he was a true gem! I can only imagine the reception he received when he got to heaven! Missy, our dads are together again! Cherish the legacy he left with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
JIm And Audra Brewer
January 24, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Jamie was a great guy with an awesome personality and great sense of humor. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
January 24, 2008
Shocked to hear of Jamie's passing. My prayers are with the family. I had known Mel, Jamie and Jon from back in the early 1950's. The shop was a memorable place to visit. Even though my husband is long gone, and my son a grown man, I still stopped in to chat with Jamie. I respected both Father and Son for sticking by their values about the good and bad events of this country. I hope more people would follow their convictions and be known in public like Mel and Jamie did. Their influence will be missed. Thanks Jamie for your help on the reunion work.
Karen (Gittins) Hassell Class of '58
Greg, Cheryl, FC2 Julian(USN), MR3 Nickolis (USN) Goodin
January 24, 2008
Mel, already we miss you, where will a guy get a decent haircut, complete with good conversation??
God has you now, I guess we have to wait.
Elisha & Jeremy Tamblyn
January 24, 2008
My husband and I have known Jamie for six years, he was a regular at G's Cafe. He'd come in with Dan or his family or to just say hi and tell a joke. Our prayers go out to his family and friends. Jamie, we will always miss you.
Teri Barnier
January 24, 2008
My heart goes out to you,in your time of sorrow. May you be comforted by the knowledge that his memory lives on with so many people.
Walking into the barber shop for me was like going home, I always felt welcome. I will miss Jamies rosey cheek smile and witty humor. what we have lost, Heaven has gained.
Chuck, Gina ,John, Mark Stewart
January 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Jaime and his sense of humor will be missed. May he be at peace.
Greg Comstock
January 24, 2008
Jamie will be missed as part of the City of Anoka culture. Always a smile no mater where you saw him. He was a orginal and he never changed. Will always remember my time at the shop with him.
Jeffrey A. Furman
January 23, 2008
Happy Trails my friend!
About 20 years ago I met you again at the Anoka County Fair.
The barber shop @ the fair and I got my hair cut by you. But more importantly, I also recieved a couple jokes.
I knew that I found a new barber, a friend.
Over the years we did a few things, some good. Some bad. We had fun.
Now I miss you.
Again thank you for letting me have the privaledge of calling you "my friend."
Happy Trails to the forever white pasture. Tell God a joke.
ken walesch
January 23, 2008
We will miss Jamie, he was a good friend, a member Of Fur, Fin Feather and the NRA. He went fishing with us on Lake Michigan and Mille Lacs last year and always attended our NRA banquets, selling the most tickets. Ken Walesch
Randy, Debbie and Beth Timm
January 23, 2008
Missy, We are so sorry to hear your Dad had passed on. Our deepest sympathy is with you, along with our thoughts and prayers. Please extend our sympathy to your family.
Bill Le Febvre
January 23, 2008
Jamie will be missed by many and was truly a great friend. God Bless and may he find everlasting happiness and peace.
Bob Rahn
January 23, 2008
Jamie was a good friend. We've known each other since 4-H days.
Mel & Jamie were my, and my sons, barbers for MANY yrs.
I got to visit with him at a gun show in St. Cloud in Dec. He will be missed but the memories will always be with me.
May the good Lord bless & keep him and give you peace of heart.
Dave Rootes
January 23, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear the loss of Jamie. I had recieved my very first haircut from Jamie 30some years ago and had become good friends over the years. I'm going to miss his big smile and "Hey, Rootsie" when ever I walked into his shop. Anoka will not be the same without him. Now he is at peace in heaven with Mel. My thoughts and prayers to his family & friends.
Chris Thelen
January 23, 2008
"Cowboy Mel" will be missed. He always sponsored our broomball and softball teams. He was a great barber and a great guy. I will miss seeing him again. He raised a great son in Jamie, one of my best friends. God bless him and his family.
Rosy & Joyce Roseland
January 23, 2008
Very sorry to hear of Jamie's passing. We were glad we got to see him and visit with him at the 50th class reunion and Anoka tour. Our prayers go to the family. Myron and Joyce Roseland
Cathie (Vevea) Juenemann
January 23, 2008
Jamie was an Anoka ICON. Anoka will not be the same without him. Did you ever see him not smile? He was fun to be around, and always there with a smile and a joke. He will be missed by many many people. All of who were lucky to know him.
Mark and Melissa Schuster
January 23, 2008
Cowboy Mel was a great barber. My family will miss his haircuts. Jarod, we are sorry to hear about your uncle. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Buster Clark
January 23, 2008
Mel and Jamie James....Two "one-of-a-kind" guys that as we grow older we look back and realize how lucky we were to have known them. Rest in peace with your Dad and take a seat in the most comfortable Barber Chair up there in Heaven. You deserve it!
Jerry Bahnsen
January 23, 2008
I know many friends and barbershop friends will miss Jamie and his stories. Jamie was the best barber ever for his flat top haircuts.My prayers and thoughts are with family and friends.
gene hoffarth
January 23, 2008
Jamie...Truly a close friend since Junior HS & throughout HS. I am so fortunate to have attended our 50th class reunion & will cherish the opportunity to visit with you about past escapades, present lives and future plans. I always looked forward to visiting MN friends and relatives so I could stop into the shop...get a haircut and be updated on current affairs....a well spent couple of hours. Your friend in life and not to be forgotten in your next journey. Gene Hoffarth(classmate) and Carol Ann Hoffarth...Albuquerque, NM
Bradley W. Newbolt & Family
January 23, 2008
Our prayers go out to the James family. James... Thank you for giving us the best haircuts around for over 30 years. Thank you for putting a smile on our faces with your great humor. Thank you for giving us a place of calm in a hectic world. Thank you for keeping Cowboy Mel's Barber Shop so that it did not change with the times. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed my friend.
Gary & Paula Hanson
January 23, 2008
I hope it helps to know that many people are thinking of you at this time. Take comfort in your family.
Ren Cowden
January 23, 2008
Very sorry to hear of Jamie's passing....the thought of Jamie brought back many fond memories and a smile to my face. He will be missed.
Greg Clark
January 23, 2008
Anoka has lost a cultural icon.
Jamie, following in his father Mel's
footsteps, shared the lives of his
many loyal customers and was eager
to discuss hot topics of the day.
We all enjoyed hearing what he had
to say and shared in his values of
which family was the most important.
He will be deeply missed.
Gloria & Joe Serbus
January 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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