James K. Erickson
January 28, 1952 – December 12, 2020
Jim Erickson, 68 of Oakdale, MN was born in 1952 in Duluth, MN. He passed away peacefully at home supported by his Family and Hospice. He was preceded in death by father, James R. Erickson and sister, Julie K. (Erickson) Miller. He is survived by his mother, Shirley B. (Stirrett) Erickson. Loving wife of 46 years Julie A. (Patrick) Erickson. Father of two sons, James T. (JT) Erickson (Michelle) of St. Paul, MN and Jake R. Erickson (Crystal) of Palisade, MN. He loved his 5 Grandchildren, Jacob (19), Coby (17), James (16), Kenny (14) and Taylor (14). He will fondly be remembered by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graduate of Alexandar Ramsey High School in 1970, he and wife Julie were high school sweethearts. They would have celebrated their 50 year Reunion, but it had to be moved to next year due to the Pandemic.
Jim was a wonderful son, who called his Mother every morning, as she lives in Florida. They certainly enjoyed their daily conversations. Jim was an old Classic Car enthusiast and loved to attend various car shows, showing off his bright yellow 1953 Dodge pickup. He loved watching NASCAR racing, football and golf. He enjoyed fishing,
which included Bass Tournaments many years ago, in his pride and joy 1999 Bass Tracker fishing boat. He also was a pheasant hunter and most recently loved taking two of his grandsons to South Dakota hunting with all his old buddies.
“Papa”, as called by his grandkids enjoyed a few years of being a referee for youth hockey. Followed by attending countless games of hockey, baseball and wrestling matches as well as many tournaments across the State. He watched each of his grandkids with pride, and offered various “tips” on how to improve.
Jim and his wife own a cabin in WI and enjoyed taking many guests on a “Putt-Putt” around Bass Lake in their pontoon, having bonfires and relaxing. He enjoyed water skiing and pulling anyone else around the lake that wanted to go.
Jim was very proud of his 35 years of sobriety and was a fantastic mentor for many fellow AA members. Jim was in the Vacuum Cleaner Industry for over 45 years. He owned his own business for the past 40 years and established A-1 Vacuum Solutions Sales and Service retail store in 2007. He was dedicated to his customers and went the extra mile to get them what they needed. He was very resourceful, especially in putting in central vacuums in commercial businesses and private homes.
Jim certainly “gave it his all” – fighting his pancreatic cancer with the most positive attitude throughout his entire journey. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor, teasing capabilities, outgoing personality, story telling and absolutely that wonderful smile of his.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, or AccentCare Hospice at 2450 26th Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55406. Due to COVID, we are not holding a service at this time. We will be planning a Celebration of Life Open House on Sunday, October 10, 2021, from 1:00 – 5:00 P.M., at the Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave. N, Oakdale, MN 55125