James Linnerooth

James Linnerooth, 85, died Friday, November 22, 2013, at the Veteran's Hospital in Fargo. He was born on September 7, 1928, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the youngest of George and Esther Linnerooth's nine children. After graduating from John A. Johnson High School, he joined the Marine Corps, serving from '46 to '48. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College for one year, then completed his degree at Hamline University in St. Paul. While still at Hamline, Jim met and married Beryl Bennett. They recently passed their 62nd anniversary, still madly in love.

After college, Jim went to work as an adjuster for General Motors and Motors Insurance Company, which transferred him to Fargo. There, he opened his own business before working for GAB.

As a young man, Jim competed in many ski jumping events, which he claimed to have done on barrel staves. We think they were really just old-fashioned skis, but you never knew with Jim. After marriage and the birth of his three children, he gave the sport up to avoid broken bones and marital discord. Jim was also an avid golfer and member of the Detroit Lakes Country Club for nearly five decades and won several trophies and awards. Jim never gave up the sport and passed on his love of golf to his two sons.

He was proud of building a garage and extensive addition to his cottage on Lake Melissa in Minnesota, where he enjoyed 42 summers despite--or perhaps because of--all the plumbing, electrical work, and other construction work.

A 48-year member of First United Methodist Church, Jim served on the board in several capacities. His most important role there, however, was as official hugger. People would line up for their hugs before and after services.

Jim is survived by his wife Beryl; son Scott (Sherry) of Bozeman, Montana; son Richard of Fargo; daughter Nancy (Bruce) of Seattle; and grandchildren Justin, Jaime, Connor, and Alayna. He is also survived by brothers Robert of Portland and Wally of Baxter, Minnesota, cousin Helen Jackson of Edina, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to be made to Hospice at the Fargo VA Medical Center or to the First United Methodist Church, Fargo.

Jim's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm