James Wallace Erickson, age 79 0f Prescott, WI passed away suddenly on July 4, 2020 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He was born on September 18, 1940 in St. Paul to Wallace and June (Henk) Erickson. He was a graduate of Johnson High School, St. Paul, MN. In October of 1958 Jim enlisted in the U. S. Air Force where he served for 4 years.
On October 23, 1982 he was united in marriage to Linda Neuman in Rochester, MN. Jim was a Safety Director in the trucking industry most of his adult life. After his retirement he went to work part-time at Kwik Trip in River Falls where he enjoyed time with his great co-workers.
Jim and Linda loved traveling throughout the United States, Caribbean and several trips overseas with the Friendship Force to Ireland, Hungary and Austria. They also hosted international visitors in their home. One of his passions was reading to Mrs. Fortney’s 2nd grade class at Malone Elementary School in Prescott. Jim also, enjoyed music, boating, playing cornhole bags with friends, eagle watching and feeding his birds. Upon his daughter Lauren attending Purdue University, he became a loyal fan of all Purdue sports proudly displaying his Purdue hat and shirts. He liked watching NASCAR, all hockey and football, rooting for the MN Vikings and going to MN Wild games.
Jim had a great sense of humor with a big laugh and always had a smile and greeting for everyone. Friends and family knew Jim would always enjoy a cold Schmidt’s or Spotted Cow.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and June Erickson and his parents-in-law, Andy and Clarice Neuman.
Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Lauren Erickson, Christine Hughes and her mother; grandchildren, Natalie (Jesse) Weinberger and Morgan Hughes; great-grandson, Elijah and great –granddaughter, Mischa (due in August); brothers, Gerald (Patricia) Erickson and Jeffrey (Laurie) Erickson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 1339 Orrin Rd, Prescott where social distancing is recommended and masks are required with a limit of 25 people at any one time in the funeral home. We will pause for a memorial remembrance and prayer for Jim at 5:30 pm with Pastor Bonnie JonesWitthuhn. Private family interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha MN (www.nationaleaglecenter.org/support) or charity of choice.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Prescott. 715-262-5404 www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
