Obituary of James Witham

James Neil Witham, 72, of Fish Lake Township, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Cambridge Medical Center, He was born on June 21, 1938 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Harold and Margaret (McDougal) Witham. He lived a short time in South St. Paul and grew up in the Scandia where he attended grade school and went on to graduate from Forest Lake High School. After high school he helped his parents on the farm in Scandia before joining the U.S. Army in March 1959. He was honorably discharged in April 1962. After the military, Jim began working as a truck driver. On March 25, 1970 he was united in marriage to Rosemary Schlecht in Watertown, South Dakota. They made their home in St. Paul and later Circle Pines, before moving to their home in Fish Lake Township near Harris where they were still living for nearly 35 years. Jim continued driving truck and had just retired on October 8, 2010. Jim enjoyed being at home where he could work on his yard and spend time fixing things in his garage. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Maplewood. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, fishing, biking, camping, listening to jazz music and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim is survived by his wife Rosemary of Fish Lake Township, daughters Kimberley and husband Brad Lofquist of Duluth, Corinna Moran of North Branch, grandchildren Zachary Moran, Madison Moran and Trevor McLeod, sister Peggy Olson of Woodbury, brothers Robert (Judy) Witham of Montana, Danny (Diane) Witham of Centerville, David Witham of Forest Lake, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.