James Erickson

James (Jim) Eldred Erickson Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 16, 2026. He was born January 21, 1944, to Catherine (Moan) and James Erickson Sr. in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Jim graduated from Holmen High School in 1962 and continued his studies in electronics at Coleman Vocational School, completing his program in 1964. That same year, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1964 to 1968. During his service, he completed basic training and advanced electronics schooling at Great Lakes, Illinois, and traveled extensively across the North Atlantic, Caribbean, Persian Gulf, and around the world, visiting countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He was honorably discharged in October 1968.

On April 20, 1968, Jim married Gloria Ann Olson at Lewis Valley Church in Stevenstown, Wisconsin. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work and devotion to family. Jim began working at NCR Corporation in late 1968 as a computer repairman and remained with the company for over 30 years. He retired in January 1999 and later contributed his skills to park maintenance for the Minnesota State Parks System.

Jim was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, gardening, fishing, woodworking, genealogy, and spending time outdoors. An avid gardener, he took pride in his extensive vegetable gardens, especially his tomatoes. He bowled for about 35 years and served as secretary of the Bill Dietsch Horseshoe League. Jim operated a woodworking shop, crafting and selling handmade items, and enjoyed selling roadside vegetables. A lifelong Wisconsinite at heart, he was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan who rarely missed a game. One of his greatest joys was researching and preserving his family tree. Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet generosity, love of learning, and deep commitment to family.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Lynnette (Harvey) Mundt, Shelley (Dan) Evanson, and Jamey (Lisa) Erickson; his grandchildren, Paige Mundt, Travette Mundt, Forest (Lupita) Evanson, Max Evanson, Adalyn Erickson, and Corbin Erickson; his brothers, Richard Erickson and Michael Erickson; his sisters, Marlene Branson and Clarissa Erickson; his brother-in-law, Dave Walsh, sister-in-law, Judy Erickson, and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Edward Erickson and Allen Erickson; and his sister, Sandra Walsh.

A memorial service will be held at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, MN at 1:00 PM followed by a luncheon on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rushford Post 94 American Legion.

The family would like to thank the medical team at Mayo Clinic Health System in Caledonia, MN as well as St.Croix Hospice for their outstanding care and support during Jim's final days.