James "Jim" Knutson's Obituary
James Knutson, known as Jim, The Man, The Mousie King, and the King of Duck Butts, passed away on his 85th birthday, Thursday October 19th at 10:19pm surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Robbinsdale, MN October 19th 1938. His family moved to Annandale MN when he was a young child, where he learned the ins and outs of the Live Bait industry while working at the family bait store and drive-in. He was a graduate of Annandale High School class of ‘57, afterwards going on to serve in the Navy Reserves on active duty from 1957-1959. Following his departure from the Navy, Jim returned briefly to Annandale before his adventures took him to Michigan. Jim’s diligence and eye for business would lead him to become a partner in Elliott’s Wholesale Live Bait of Brooklyn MI. In the late 60’s he expanded the business to selling motorcycles and snowmobiles, his determination would eventually make him one of the largest Ski Doo dealers in the United States by 1979. Ultimately these endeavors would evolve to become an important part of Jim’s legacy and cornerstone of Brooklyn, Knutson’s Sporting Goods, and as an integral and driving force in the building of the Brooklyn Super 8 Motel. Jim was a dedicated and upstanding member of his community, serving on the Columbia School Board, Boy Scout Benefit Executive Committee, founding member for the Chamber of Commerce, and recipient of both the Chamber’s “Citizen” and “Business of The Year” awards. He was a generous supporter and sponsor of local and national race car drivers, founding member of the Brooklyn Sportsmans Club, numerous school and community events, and most recently the Annandale Trap Shooting team.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman with a love for duck hunting and ice fishing. For all of Jim's accomplishments and loves, his greatest and most treasured achievement is the family he leaves behind. He made no secret of his love for the family he created, taking great pride in each and every person he held dear.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Harriet Knutson, step-father; Frank Ledwein, siblings; Donald (Murphy) Knutson, Barbara (Wes) Wiegand, Tommy Knutson, step-siblings; Patricia Ledwein-Kittok and Bill Ledwein.
Jim is survived by his wife and deepest love of 57 years, Janet Knutson. His loyal children; Tom (Joy) Knutson and Tonya (Dave) Springer, loving grandchildren; Cayla (Parker) Upham, Topio (Amanda) Knutson, Dakota Springer, and Stella Springer, adoring great-grandchildren; Sabastian Upham and Bently Upham, uncle; Ronnie (Nancy) Thomas, step-siblings; Jack (Joanne) Ledwein, James (Jean) Ledwein, Kathleen (Robert) Smith, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and his lifetime imaginary friend Herman Elinsky.
Visitation will be held at Dingmann Funeral Care, 85 N Main St, Kimball, MN, on Sat. October 28th from 12-2:00pm. Private burial at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery following the visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 4th at the Super 8 Motel, 419 S. Main St., Brooklyn, MI. from 1:00-5:00pm..
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