James Edward Bergum passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at the age of 97. He was born on January 3, 1928 in Minneapolis, the eldest child of Edward and Ellen Bergum, and brother to Alice and Helen. As a member of the US Navy, he taught soldiers fitness and swimming at Great Lakes Naval Station at the tail end of World War II. Using the G.I. Bill, he attended St. Olaf College for his undergraduate, and obtained his Masters in Social Work at the University of Minnesota, where he met his first love, Kay Holt. They fell in love and raised a beautiful family. He made a career in Hennepin County, serving as a probation officer and later as the Director of Juvenile Probation, a career which made him well equipped for the job of being father to Karin, Erik, and Todd. Jim overcame many challenges, including the loss of Karin and Kay when Erik and Todd were young.  Shortly after he found another chance at love and a lifetime partner in Carolyn, who would become his wife for the next forty years, a needed motherly presence in the family, and the grandmother to his grandchildren.

He was known as "Uncle Jim" or "Grandpa" to many, even to those who weren't related to him. As a dad, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather, Jim was many things. A maker, a fixer, a fisherman, a proud Norwegian and Lutefisk connoisseur, a Christian, and above all a family man. From his masterful skills in carpentry, woodworking, and pottery, his hands crafted countless beautiful gifts for those he loved. Many of his family and friend's homes are filled with cabinets, tables, lamps, mugs, plates, and more all bearing his initials or his trademark penny inlay. Friends and family alike knew him as creative, caring, and generous. Whether it was sharing his gifts with people, or feeding his grand dogs table scraps, his face would light up with a smile, and you might catch a glimpse of his gold teeth twinkling.

He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn, sons Erik (Leslie) and Todd (Sally), grandchildren Daniel (Tricia), Joseph (Sarah), and Ellen, special nieces Susie and Nancy, extended family, and many close friends.

The family would like to thank Brighton Hospice and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Peace Lutheran Church (peacebloomington.org) and Visiting Angels (visitingangels.com). A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on Friday December 5 at 11AM, with visitation 1 hour prior, with lunch to follow.