James Chan

James Ferdinand Chan, known to many as “Jim” or “Jimmy” was born on April 25, 1935, in Alexandria, Minnesota to Robert and Esther (Reichert) Chan. He was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and at the age of 7, he and his twin brother, Bobby, started their active lives in the church and became altar servers. At 8 years of age he joined Boy Scouts and earned the Ad Altare Dei Award, was elected to the Order of the Arrow, and at age 14 he became an Eagle Scout. As an adult he was awarded the highest council recognition, the Silver Beaver.

Jim graduated from Alexandria High School in 1954 and furthered his education at St. John’s University. In 1956, he transferred to the Minnesota School of Business and was President of his Class in 1957. He graduated with an Advertising & Merchandising Degree. In 1957, Jimmy and his twin brother Bobby began working with their father at Bob’s Clothes Shop in Alexandria. Many remember their slogan, “Bob and the Twins Want to See You!” They were named Retailer of the Year in 1970 and received the Distinguished Merchant Award in 1971.

In 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Bonnie Conrad, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo, North Dakota. To this union three children were born: Jimmy, Suzanne, and Kate. The family enjoyed time at their home on Lake Le Homme Dieu where many wonderful memories were made. He loved to golf, hunt, fish and be on the lake with family and friends. Of course he enjoyed a good cigar with some J & B scotch.

In 1992, Jimmy and Bobby sold the family business and Jimmy began his second successful career with Catholic United. He enjoyed several successful years there and retired in 2007.

He was very active in the Alexandria community. He was a member of the Downtowners, Jaycees (1967 Man of the Year Award), Elks, Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Alexandria Golf Club, Lakes Area Association, and Lions Club. Jim was a Board Member of the Alexandria Technical College, Douglas County Library Foundation, St. Mary’s School Board & Cemetery Board.

Jim will be remembered as a kind, loving, inspirational man with a deep-rooted faith. He had a great sense of humor and always wanted to make people smile and feel special. He was a real problem solver and gave good advice to his family and friends, reminding them to always have a “Plan B.” He was fun to be around and seemed to find a way to have fun in every situation. He put family first and was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a faithful servant to the Lord.

Jim passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, August 10th, 2017 surrounded by his three children. He is survived by his children: James Matthew of Alexandria, Suzanne Elizabeth (Landry) Streich of Alexandria, Kathryn JoAnn (Jason) Anderson of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren: Samuel James, Kayla Christine & Nicholas David Anderson; sister, Mary Rae Wood of Peoria, AZ; sisters and brothers-in-law: Karyn Chan, Susan & Curtis Bring, Judy & Steve Smith, Jim Conrad, Jane Conrad; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; twin brother, John Robert Chan; parents, Esther & Robert Chan; brother-in-law, Richard Wood; mother and father-in-law, William & Marion Conrad.
Memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Trust Fund, St. Mary’s Cemetery, and Douglas County Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary, 7:00 p.m. Parish Prayer Service) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.