Robert Sidney "Bob" James

Robert "Bob" Sidney James Jr., 62, passed away last weekend in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a place he cherished, doing what he loved.

A resident of St. Louis Park, Bob was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man whose sharp wit and irreverent humor only barely concealed his deep kindness and compassion.

Bob worked as a software engineer at Optum, but his true passions were his children, the great outdoors, running, fishing, camping, and sharing laughter with friends. He was never afraid to "pop his top"-both literally and figuratively-to get a laugh or turn a head.

He is survived by his two children, Marcie James of Chicago, IL and Bobby James III of Minneapolis, MN; his parents, Bob and Carolyn James of Coppell, TX; and his siblings and their partners: Max James of St. Paul, MN; Nancy and Tim Oliver of Dallas, TX; and Betsy and Carl DiSalvo of Atlanta, GA. Bob was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, who will always remember him for his unmatched goofiness and his unapologetic lack of filter.

Bob left this world far too soon. His absence is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, none more than his beloved dog Snooki. We pray Bob's final portage led him to a magnificent new island with a roaring campfire, Fireball shots, and a big walleye ready for dinner. Those who loved him know he made an inappropriate joke about the "Beaver" airplane used to recover his body.

Memorial mass held at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, on Friday, May 23, at 11:00 am, with a Visitation starting at 10:00 am. Reception following the service in St. Louis Park.

If it would bring you comfort, please consider a donation to those dedicated to the preservation of our wilderness who brought Bob home. support.nationalforests.org