James "Jim" Herbert Unden

James “Jim” Herbert Unden, 78, of Duluth, fulfilled his earthly journey and went home to the lord peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, with family by his side. He was born in Waco, TX, on January 11, 1946, to Herbert and Ruth Unden. 

Jim was a 1964 graduate of Denfeld High School and a 1968 graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth. He spent his life working various occupations, ranging from school bus driver, to theatre manager, to handyman, to ice cream parlor owner. He was privileged to have done many things and worn many hats. Jim welcomed each new experience and the challenges each of his pursuits brought. 

Jim spent thirty years in the Twin Cities, where he would meet his wife Mary and start a family before moving back to his hometown of Duluth. Here, he enjoyed retirement working on home improvements, gardening, and watching his daughters attend High School at his alma mater. Jim was a proud resident of the West Duluth neighborhood and was no stranger to advocating for change in his community. He ran for the Duluth school board in 2014 and most recently helped restore the historic West Theatre in his free time. Jim also enjoyed being a part of the congregation at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. 

Many things brought joy to Jim’s life. He had a deep love for films and music and was a talented writer. Jim found company in his furry companions as a lifelong cat lover. Most of all, Jim was loved deeply by his friends and family. He never hesitated to walk to the beat of his own drum, and never apologized for it either. His spunk brought laughter to many. Most importantly, Jim was a proud father, a loving husband, a caring brother, a fun uncle, and a compassionate friend and neighbor. He will be so deeply missed by those he has left behind. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather, Jerry Onraet. 

Jim is survived by, wife, Mary; children, Aaron (Sharon), Johanna, and Jenna (Tyler); grandson, Abel; sister, Lynn (Gregg) Ronn; niece, Natalie Ronn; nephew, Jeff (Stacy) Ronn, and their children, Nick, Zack, Maverick; and other family, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the dedicated hospice staff at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital and to Dougherty Funeral Home for their delicate care and support. 

Visitation will be 5-7PM, Tuesday December 10, 2024. at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805, visitation will continue 10AM until the 11AM Funeral Service Wednesday at Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran, 4831 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807.

Please consider donating orange flowers as this was Jim’s favorite color. Arrangements can be sent to Dougherty Funeral Home. 

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.