James “Jim” Bodahl, 89

James Alyn “Jim” Bodahl, 89, of Baudette, MN, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on July 12, 2024.

Jim was born on March 2, 1935, in Garden Township, MN, to Ottar and Velda Bodahl.

He graduated from Fertile High School in 1953 and went on to school for sheet metal fabrication at Dunwoody. He started his career as a Master Plumber and owned his own business, Bodahl Plumbing and Heating.

Jim married Avis Stennes in 1953; the couple had sons Scott and Barry. He married Gloria Gearhart Borg in 1974. Gloria had children of her own: Jeri, Susan, Sally, John, and Joe. Jim stepped in as their father without question. He was a proud father of seven kids!

Jim was best known for his goofy personality, his kind and quiet disposition, and his love for his entire family. He had a heart for everyone and everything. He was especially proud of the home that he and Gloria built, the stairs and all. Depending on the season, you would find him keeping up his yard, shooting the “spud gun,” hunting/fishing with his buddies, traveling to all sorts of fun places with Gloria, teaching the game of golf to his grandchildren, or just entertaining friends and family.

Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He was given an honorable discharge after serving his duty. Later in life, he joined the American Legion Color Guard, where he served for 43 years with his best friend, Dale Erickson. Jim called it “the firing squad.”

He is survived by siblings Sharon Goldsmith and Lawrence (Jane) Bodahl; sons Scott and Barry Bodahl, John and Joseph Borg; daughters Jeri (Vic) Beckel, Susan (Mark) LaValla, and Sally Borg; granddaughters Sunshine (Josh) Hanevik, Jody (Weston) Johnson, Bonnie (Andy) Harness, Melanie McClendon, Cara (Nick) Brekke, Anna (Jeremy) Johnson, and Aimee Borg; grandsons Dewey (Ashley) Beckel and Jack (Katie) Beckel; multiple great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Carol Carol.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ottar and Velda Bodahl, spouse Gloria Bodahl, brothers Robert Bodahl, Gerold Bodahl, Ervan "Danny" Bodahl, grandson Jason LaValla, and daughter-in-law Evonne Bodahl.

Memorial donations can be made in Jim's name to Wabanica Lutheran Church Baudette, MN 56623.

A Memorial Service for James "Jim" Bodahl of Baudette was held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Wabanica Lutheran Church in Baudette at 11 a.m. with a visitation an hour prior.