James Vern Wessman died 4-11-11 at 5:42 pm (CST), surrounded by his family.  He entered his Shabbat rest in Yeshua for eternity with his God, his Father.  He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.  A graveside service was held on 4-12-11, and a memorial service will be held this July.

Jim was born in Fergus Falls, MN on March 16, 1949 to Vern and Ruth Wessman, who he is reunited with in heaven.  He leaves two sisters, Dorine Seaquist of Auburn, Washington and Jolyn Fontaine, married to Dick Fontaine, of St. Paul, MN.

Jim’s father was a Baptist pastor and he learned about the Lord and his Word as a very young child.  He put his trust in Jesus at a children’s meeting.

His growing up years were in Cadillac, MI where he had many memories of fun times, like learning to ski, golf, and sledding.

His family moved to Eden Prairie, when he began 9th grade.  It was there he met his life long friends, Jock and Jill Grier.  Eden Prairie was a small town in those days. 

After high school, he attended Bethel College where he met Ruthie Sackett, his wife of 42 years.  They were married and he finished his schooling at the University of Minnesota, graduating in chemistry.

He got a job at 3M while he was still in school and worked there for 31 years.  After a corporate down sizing, Jim began his true calling as “maintenance engineer”, i.e. handyman, helping many people in many ways.  His joy was in serving others in the name of Yeshua.

The top priority of his life was his family.  He was a wonderful husband to Ruth.  They shared in ministry and working on their old house.  Their children, JJ, Becky, and Rachel, had a dad who was always available to them.  His job at 3M was flexible and he rarely missed a game or activity.  He always brought his girls flowers when they had recitals.

He had great pleasure when each of his children were married and he became a father to their spouses.  JJ and Stephanie, of Modi’in, Israel, have given him five grandchildren to treasure, Zane, Lydia, Ethan, Orly, and Asher.  Becky and Shawn Storkamp and their much loved children, Eliana and Caden, live close in Minneapolis and Jim looked forward every weekend to their visits and treasure hunts.  Rachel and Robert Walters were married last July and live in Dallas.  He had such a great time at their Texas wedding reception and seeing their happy life there.

Jim was famous for his pancakes, popcorn, caramel corn and apples.

Jim has loved living in Woodbury for 36 years and has considered himself a member of the church of Jesus Christ in Woodbury.  He has had great fulfillment in learning about and living the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith and fellowshipping with Beth Immanuel congregation in Hudson.

Memorials can be given to further the Kingdom of God in Israel.

We give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His loving devotion endures forever.