In Memory

James Stirratt

Stirratt James

P r e c e d e d in death by father, Ralph. Survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Arlene; four wonderful sons, Michael (DJ), Daniel (Lisa). Thomas (Heather), and David; four beloved grandchildren, Hogan James, Jonah, Grace, and Marlee; mother, Lucille and brother, John; and a wide circle of relatives and dear friends. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1966. Jim and Arlene married and lived in panama for two years while he served in the Canal Zone as a l st lieutenant in the U.S. Army corps of Engineers. ln the first of many great adventures together. They drove 5,000 miles home to Minnesota Jim joined Dayton's where he rose from retail trainee to Executive vice President. Many who worked with Jim over his 26-year career at Dayton's loved and respected him for his personal management style and had maintained enduring friendships with him since he left. Jim later was Exec VP with Williams-Sonoma in San Francisco, and also led a joint venture with the Mayo Clinic on a highly successful cookbook. As an active, life-long outdoor enthusiast, Jim's deep love for Mlnnesota’s Northwoods grew out of his scouting experiences at Camp Flaming Pine and his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. He enjoyed hiking and biking on the Gunflint Trail camping, fishing, canoeing and quiet times at his sea Gull Lake cabin at the edge of the Boundary Waters. To his sons and friends, he was known as Jimbo or Big Jim, travel guide and outfitter of BWCA canoe trips. He always said that "the rocks, the water and the pines" were his cathedral where he felt closest to God. Jim served board member of Goodwill-Easter Seals, president of U of M Alumni Association and president of the Jefferson High School band boasters. Among many roles, he most enjoyed the title of “Gampa”. His ever-present optimism and humor were inspirations to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mayo Clinic cancer research program. The Nature Conservancy, or the North Shore Health Care Foundation. Memorial service on Friday February 29th at 11AM at Mt Olivet Lutheran Church Minneapolis. Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Cremation Society Edina Chapel.

Born 12-8-44 Died 2-22-2008



 
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08/06/12 04:06 PM #1    

Bill Dobbins

Jim: We were in Boy Scouts Troop 170 I remember when your Dad was the scout leader.  You were always a wonderful example to all of us.


12/14/16 09:57 AM #2    

Ellie Engen (Holmquist)

Jim and I were friends at Southwest, but we also both went to Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church.  Our parents were good friends as well.  Jim and I were confirmed together, and we had so much fun in Luther League on Sunday evenings.  Jim was such a kind and gentle person.  


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