Obituary of James Patrick Willemsen

Though his spirit was willing, his body was tired and spent when Jim took his last breath on Monday, August 1st. The youngest of five boys and the son of Albert and Valora Willemsen, he was born at home in Wayzata on St. Patrick’s day. Jim is now reunited with his parents and brothers LeMoyne, Ronald, Robert and Thurman. He is survived by his wife Ginny and son Ryan, plus four sisters-in-law and their husbands and many, many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. A lifelong resident of Wayzata (except for his time in the Army), he started his sales career at Aslesen’s then worked at Harrison House and International Multifoods. He was a partner in several businesses including Mr. Rib, Westdale Liquor and Minnetonka Marketing. Jim enjoyed entertaining us with his singing and guitar playing and grilling his barbeque ribs. He loved to travel and loved all of Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands and all the warm southern U.S. states where he could golf and relax in the sun during the winter. He treasured his association with his fraternal organizations. As past worshipful master and Hiram award recipient at Wayzata Masonic Lodge, he was also a lifetime member of Scottish Rite, and Zuhrah Shrine; and a member of the Wayzata American Legion. Services will be held Wednesday, August 10th at 1:00 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina. He would be delighted if you would come and share a story after a Masonic funeral service. Jim would want you to remember him in all his glory, using the whole runway, laughing, telling endless stories and enjoying life. In lieu of flowers, his family would be honored if you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone else in his name.