James H. "Jim" Aamodt

James "Jim" H. Aamodt, 81, passed away January 18, 2024 with his loving wife of 42 years, Marcia, by his side.

Jim was an early Musician's Union Member at 13 years old, individually jobbed in two bands and was even on the Lawrence Welk Show twice. Known as "the Drummer" at Hopkins High and substituted as the Tympanist for the MN Orchestra. In college, he played with "the Skeets Trio" to pay all expenses at Macalester, as an Art Major, and later at the U of M where he graduated in Business/Marketing. He then left the music career to be hired by the Ford Motor Company in Louisville, KY. In 1969, he returned to the Twin Cities to create the truck dept. at Shakopee Ford. Later as Heavy Truck Mgr. at Town's Edge Ford, he was recognized as having one of the "Top 20 Ford Truck Sales" in the nation. He also sold Fords at McNeilus Construction Trucks, Lakeland Ford, and Boyer Ford. Through national competition he was awarded the prestigious title of "1988 Most Knowledgeable Ford Truck Salesperson in the US." The following year he was commissioned to lead Ford Seminars on Bridge Laws around the country. At home, he established and directed his own equipment leasing company for forty plus years.

As hobbies, he enjoyed having old cars and even totally restored a Jaguar engine. Was MN President of Model A Club and later active in the Model T Club. Boating fascinated him and he enjoyed Sea Ray cruisers and old Mahogany boats. He procured Liberty engines, and often restored and sold large old boat engines and parts (Kermaths and Hall Scotts). Active in the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) activities. Served as MN President of the BSLOL Chapter of Boats, and twice served on the Board of the now named "Legacy of the Lakes Museum" in Alexandria, MN. Jim was an entrepreneur/innovator and his interests stretched to creating aluminum dump bodies in business, to manufacturing covered boat trailers in hobbies. Jim approached each project with 100% enthusiasm and fascination. His directions, thoughts, and kindnesses will be missed by many.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, February 15th at 2pm at Wayzata Community Church, with Visitation at 1pm. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services

Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595

www.huberfunerals.com