James “Jim” E. Blaha
An angel received his wings as the soul of James Everett Blaha of Wayzata, MN, entered Heaven, November 24, 2023.
James was born September 24, 1948, the son of Everett Blaha and Eunice (Klink) Blaha in Independence. They and his brother, Robert, precede him in death. Jim grew up on a farm near Independence where many of his lifelong interests and his character and values were nurtured. Jim was a giving, caring, spiritual person who cherished his family and friends. Beneath his sometimes tough exterior, there lay a big, soft teddy bear. Jim was a funny man and loved telling stories.
After high school, Jim’s first job was at a meat packing plant. He then became a certified long-haul truck driver where he loved the power behind the wheel and the freedom to see the world for over 45 years.
Among Jim’s passions were fishing and hunting, bird watching, camping and traversing the mountains out West, listening to music and immersing himself in the history of WWII in every form. He also loved attending air shows and building model planes, as well as books, movies, and documentaries. Jim was a wood worker and a talented cook known, for his generosity, sharing dishes he made for friends and family — in particular, cookies and bars during the Christmas season, Jim’s favorite holiday. He was an avid supporter of local businesses.
Jim was a Knight of Columbus in the Church of Our Lady of the Lake in Mound, and a member of the American Legion Club.
Jim is missed by his family and friends who loved him so very much.
Survivors are his sister, Kathy Hegge (Aaron Hawkinson); his children: Chad (Cheryl) Blaha, Tiffany Holscher; and grandchildren: Ashley and Christopher Holscher.
A memorial celebration of Jim’s life was held Tuesday December 12, 2023, at The David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, 1220 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN 55391.
Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph’s Indian School, a charity where Jim felt his donations were most needed, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326, or your favorite charity, in his honor.
