James Persons

James (Jim) George Persons died Wednesday July 9th, 2014, in Duluth, MN following a yearlong battle with cancer.

Jim was born July 4th, 1946, to Dorman and Beverly Persons in Hibbing, MN. He lived in Hibbing during his younger years and moved to Duluth in 1961.

Jim graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1964. During high school, he earned Eagle Scout Rank with the Boy Scouts and later volunteered on the Eagle Scout Review Board. Jim graduated from UMD in 1968 with a BA in Economics and Math.

On August 10th, 1968, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Marion Lanthier.

In 1968, Jim started at DM&IR Railway as a Cost Accountant in Accounts Payable. During his 36 year career at the railroad, he worked in several departments. In 2004, he retired as Superintendent of Maintenance.

Jim was proud to have served his country in the 148th MN Air National Guard Fighter Wing in Duluth, MN. He joined the Guard in 1968 and retired in 1994 as Chief Master Sergeant. During that time, he was honored as Airman of the Year.

Jim was a past member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Duluth and most recently attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gnesen Township.

Jim's greatest joy was time spent with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed many activities over the years, including golf, hunting, curling, fishing and the outdoors. Sharing these activities with his many close friends and family was what made them most special. Jim looked forward to several annual events, including fun times on Island Lake, hunting at Camp Hellwig, high school group camp outs, springs spent in Florida, Potluck group suppers, and Monday and Wednesday golf leagues. Jim touched many lives with his sense of humor and his generous nature. He will be dearly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister Lorena Gothard Olson.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynn; daughters Kristin (Jeff) Imsande of Menomonie, WI, and Kerri Persons of Duluth, MN; grandchildren Kaylynn, Grant, Anna, and Keegan; sisters Linda (Gordy) Peterson of Duluth, Beverly (Mike Deiley) Persons of Big Lake, MN; brother Joseph (Mary) Persons of Kelsey, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Sande for his compassion and expert care. They would also like to thank the many family and friends who provided love and support.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2014 in the Dougherty Funeral Home Chapel.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2014 in St. John's Catholic Church.

Military Honors by the Duluth Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be in Oneota Cemetery, Duluth, MN.