James William Penman, AKA: Jim, Bill or Doc’, of Somerset, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday evening, February 24, 2011 in Ramsey County, MN at the age of 67. He was the owner of Penman Chiropractic in Stillwater. Bill was born the son of James B. and Evelyn (Koenig) Penman on May 3, 1943 in Findlay, Ohio. He was the great-great-grandson of Jessie and Mary (Gordon) Wood who came to Hudson in the 1840’s and were some of its first settlers. Bill grew up in Hudson, and graduated from Hudson High School in 1962. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard. He graduated from Northwestern School of Chiropractic, and eventually started his own practice in Stillwater.
In Bill’s younger years, he enjoyed building and racing his own boats on the St. Croix River. He also had a love of old cars. He would show his 1948 Plymouth, which was invited to be in the blue ribbon corral several times because it was so close to being completely original. Bill’s other passions were gardening and hunting, especially deer. Using a gun safely was important to him so he taught hunter safety courses for almost 40 years; it’s a tradition now being carried on by his children. He has been a longtime active member of the Hudson Rod and Gun Club, teaching lessons and competing in the rifle league. It’s not a surprise, then, that Bill was united to his beloved wife, Kath at the club on August 10, 1996.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and, in 2005, his daughter, Michelle Penman. He will remain in the hearts of his wife, Kath; children: David (Michelle) Penman of Hudson, Roger (Susan) Penman of Hudson, Tim, Travis & Terri Damico, and Allison & Mike Spears; many grand and great-grandchildren; sister, Diane Penman; niece and goddaughter, Erin Rutten; mother-in-law, Eleanor Celski; extended family and friends.
You are invited to CELEBRATE Bill’s life with his family on Thursday, March 10th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, 715-386-3725. Food and beverages will be provided; please plan to come and share in fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.