James Joseph Eral, “Mr. Jim” age 80 of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on September 17, 2023.
James “Jim” was born January 3, 1943 to Margaret and Albert Eral in Spirit Lake, IA. He attended Estherville High School in Estherville, IA. Jim joined the Air Force in 1961. Upon leaving the military, he worked in Petroleum Transportation Sales and through time had been employed at Texaco, Indianhead Truckline, Western Petroleum and Heartland Fuels.
Jim enjoyed being outdoors, boating on the St. Croix River, grandchildren’s sporting events and annual fishing trips. He also loved traveling. Travel highlights include simple road trips, family reunions, and the cruise to Hawaii he took his wife, Barbara, on for their 25th wedding anniversary. Jim’s gentle and kind heart led him in his love for volunteering. He was well known for serving at the local food pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and was highly involved in many roles at his church. Jim volunteered with various elementary grades across the Hudson school system and was popularly known as Mr. Jim. He was a mentor, friend, and in some cases an extra Grandpa that we all wish we had in our lives. He will be greatly missed.
Jim will remain in the hearts of his sons John (Jennie) Eral, Joe (Michelle) Eral; step-son Mike Niece; grandchildren Carissa Morin (Matt), Jake Bourassa, Colin (Sarah), Cooper, Noah, and Sophie Eral; great-grandchildren Beau and Banks Morin; siblings Bill (Peggy), Gene Eral, Linda (George) Genz.
He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara; parents Albert and Margaret; brothers Tom, Mike, Dan, and Jerry Eral; and great-grandchild Maisyn Morin.
A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10:00am-12:00pm with a memorial service starting at 12:00pm at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 505 13th St. S., Hudson, WI. The service will be live-streamed. Please CLICK HERE
In lieu of flowers, or memorials, please make a donation to your local food pantry or elementary schools extra supplies fund.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.
Jim will be missed for his positive attitude, his friendly smile, his caring for others. It has been my privilege and pleasure to know him as a friend for more than 60 years. My sympathy goes out to his family and others who knew him. He will leave a big hole in many hearts, including mine. But he would want his friends and family to celebrate his life and then get on with life by serving others.
My children attended EP Rock Elementary and knew “Mr Jim” because of his volunteer hours spent reading with the students. Mr Jim still remember my daughter’s name when he ran into her during her senior year. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Jim was a special man.