Obituary of James A Armstrong

CMSgt James Armstrong was reunited with his beloved wife, Patricia, on Nov. 14, 2020. Jim was born to Leonard and Rose (Schreck) Armstrong on Oct. 1, 1934. He grew up in Duluth Heights and Fredenberg Township, graduating from Hermantown High School before joining the Air Force. He served as an aircraft mechanic in Korea and later spent 38 years with the 148th until his retirement.

He married Patricia Hantz in 1955 and together they raised their 5 children in Fredenberg where he was a founding member of the Volunteer Fire Department and state Fire Marshall, as well as serving as a township supervisor and clerk. Jim loved to play the accordion and had his own band the Skyliners in his early years which played at many venues in the area. Jim also played at most of the nursing homes in the Twin Ports areas after he retired, despite never learning to read music. He also ran Eurecon Travel which took tour groups to Europe, mostly Germany, where his mother was from.

He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, Shirley, and numerous in-laws. He is survived by his children Sherri, Steve (Kelly Higgins), Sandra (David) Runck, Shawn and Tony Armstrong; 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren plus one on the way, as well as his brother, Dennis (Judy) Young, and sister-in-law Jean McGongile and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank the compassionate staff of St Luke’s ICU units for the kindness and care they showed our father in his last days.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, but condolences, if preferred, may be sent to the family at 209 S Blackman Ave, Duluth, MN 55811