James E. Isaacson

James E. Isaacson, age 85, of Brooklyn Park, Minn. and Rio Verde, died peacefully Jan. 4, 2015 while duck hunting, a life-long passion.

He is survived by wife of 63 years, Betty; daughters, Karen (Gary) Hedstrom, Owatonna, Minn., Nancy (Jack) Pearson and Lori (David) Hjelvik, both of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Brian (Lanae) Hedstrom of Tenn., Kristi Hedstrom, Eric (Jennie) Hedstrom, Peter and Kari Pearson, Emily and Matthew Hjelvik all of Twin Cities; great grandchildren, Emma, Cali, Isaac, and Adalyn Hedstrom; brother, Phil (Marlene); sisters-in-law, Gerry and Lois; cousins; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Carlton and Roger.

Jim was born in Minneapolis on April 12, 1929 to Carl and Florence Isaacson. He graduated from South High School in 1947 and worked at Duragraph, Weston Engraving, and Color House until his retirement in 1994. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army 1950-52.

He was a 31-year member of Toastmasters Club No. 75.

After retiring to Rio Verde in 1980, he helped build 19 Habitat for Humanity houses in Arizona, leading the Verde Communities Habitat effort.

Jim was also an organizer for the volunteer Resource Specialists with the Rio Verde Fire District.

In 2007 he was inducted into the Lower Verde River Valley Hall of Fame in Arizona.

He loved spending time with family, hunting and helping others.

A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 12, at Hope Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.

There was a private interment at Ft. Snelling. Memorials preferred to: Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor’s Study, Habitat for Humanity-Central AZ, Ducks Unlimited MN, Pheasants Forever, or donor’s choice.

A memorial is planned for Rio Verde in early February. Details will be announced later.