James Davern

James “Jim” Kevin Davern was born on August 28, 1950 in Duluth, Minnesota to Jerry and Virginia “Ginnie” (Lee) Davern. He attended Esko High School in Esko. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1973-1976.
Jim worked a time in manufacturing before working at several car dealerships as a salesman including Arvid Beyer Ford in Morris. After being together for many years, Jim was united in marriage to BeBe Spencer on March 17, 2003 in Webster, SD. Jim then worked his last 15 years in the resort sales industry in the Twin Cities and Florida retiring in 2011. They moved back to the area settling in Garfield. Jim worked his retirement job for a time driving taxi in Alexandria.
Jim enjoyed watching TV, especially the Mecum and Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, American Pickers and fishing programs. Most of all he enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren even if he helped them get into trouble. He loved making people laugh, and being sarcastic. He also was a loving, generous and compassionate man on the inside.
Jim died on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife, BeBe Davern of Alexandria; daughters , Katy (Mark) Perhus of Alexandria and Tory (fiancé, Joshua Chapman) Gehring of Garfield; grandchildren, Shaylarae Hanson, Brook Perhus, Alicia DeMartelaere, Madison Kral; great-grandchildren, Zanika and Draven Hanson and Ezekiel and Augustus DeMartelaere; brother, Lee (Rose) Davern of Duluth, MN, Michelle (Tom) Ashmore of LaCrescent, MN, Sharon Davern of Mantorville, MN, and Stephanie (Don) Stork of Cloquet, MN; and longtime family friend, Tom Smith of Daytona Beach, FL. Jim is preceded in death by his parents,
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.