Friday, December 1, 2023
James J. “Jim” Felling, 76, of Sauk Centre, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes May 27, 2023, at his home in Sauk Centre.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
James was born in St. Paul. After graduating from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul, he was proud to have served in Vietnam from 1966-68. One of his treasured accomplishments was to earn two Purple Hearts and several other service medals: Army Good Conduct, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Jim was a talented musician, known for Elvis renditions, performed with regional bands in the 70s and 80s, most notably the “Facts of Five” and “Roving Gamblers.” Later, he moved to Sauk Centre and resided on Sauk Lake.
Jim was known to many as “Mr. Lucky.” He was a firearm enthusiast and enjoyed spending time with friends, running into the Felling and Walz relatives, feeding the mallards, playing ball with the dog, constantly making home improvements and shopping. Jim had the highest regard for the Police Officers in town and was proud to know all their names. There wasn’t anything Jim and his meticulous self could not fix; his way was always the “right way.” He was talented in many areas: Makita sales representative, optical lab technician and professional locksmith, and he sold cars and campers. Jim enjoyed sharing his musical talents by hosting karaoke at several establishments in town.
He was a proud patriot and loved his country. If anyone had conversation with Jim, his passion was clearly evident. Jim served as finance officer in the Little Sauk Legion Post 417 and continued his involvement and promoter of the Legion until his passing. He enjoyed creating and maintaining the Legion website and assisting the Legion and Auxiliary with their projects. He enjoyed computer technology and being asked by TJ to create and burn the CD for the Sauk Centre Girls’ Softball Team and maintaining the Diamond Point Website. Jim enjoyed singing with son, Tony, spending time with friends and relatives on the lake, boating, poker walks with the “group,” live music, dining out, late hour runs for ice cream, Harley, travel, people watching and following his grandsons’ many sports activities and their other achievements. Jim was accomplished having survived Vietnam and quadruple surgery.
Jim is survived by his children Anthony James (Becky) Felling of White Bear Lake, Nicole Ann Marie (Chris) Nelsen of Mound and Robert James (Kristin) Thompson of Oakdale; grandchildren Austin, Ethan, Gage, Jude, Valerie, Lauren, Samantha, Isaac and Makayla; sister Kathy (Dave) Jackson of San Angelo, Texas; niece Kristine (Mack) Roller; nephew James (Trina) Jackson; and fiancée Gail Rosenow.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Martha Felling; and nephew Gary Jackson.
Thank you for your service to your country Jim. We miss you. H-23-1B
