James Jepsen

James Edgar Jepsen was born on November 9, 1920 in Chandler, MN, the son of Harry and Minnie (Runge) Jepsen. He graduated from Chandler High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. He left college in December of 1941 to enlist in the United States Air Force. He served as a classifier in Salt Lake City, UT for one year and then volunteered for overseas duty. He was an engineer in a B-24 bomber and served in this capacity for three years, flying 51 missions over enemy territory. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with three oak clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. After the war he attended Mankato State College where he met his future wife Jeanne Hough. Jim finished his education at the University of Minnesota. Jim and Jeanne were united in marriage on August 26, 1947 in Faribault, MN. To this union four children were born Scott, Patricia, Kevin, and Sherry. Jim and his family lived in Mankato, Sioux Falls, SD and then raised their family in Owatonna for twelve years. In 1969 Jim and his family moved to Jamestown North Dakota and became employed by the State of North Dakota as a chemical dependency counselor until he retired in 1985. Jim and Jeanne moved to Alexandria to enjoy retirement. Jim loved to fish, hunt, play cards, and watch sports. He also enjoyed gardening and was an avid MN Viking fan. He had a good sense of humor and loved his family. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. James E. Jepsen died on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN at the age of 89 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Jeanne Jepsen of Alexandria; sons Scott (Erin) Jepsen of Pocatello, ID; Kevin Jepsen of Kenosha, WI; daughters Patricia Anne (Antonio) Llopis of Alexandria; Sherry (Robert) Turner of Alexandria Virginia; six grandchildren Tony, Celia, Jim, Janis, Stacy, and Lisa; two great grandchildren Dylan and Mila; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tuffy and Pat Jepsen. A funeral mass was held on Friday, January 29, 2010 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Entombment was in the St. Mary?s Catholic Mausoleum. Casket Bearers were Bill Barsness, Tony Llopis, Al Nelson, Patrick Hough, Jim A. Jepsen, and Alex Rodionov. Honorary Casket Bearers were Jim?s granddaughters Celia Llopis, Janis Jepsen, Stacy Fukushima, and Lisa Turner. Military Honors were performed by the American Legion Post #87 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 936. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, www.andersonfuneral.net