James Albert Berglund

James A. “Jim” Berglund of Pine City passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Golden Horizon Assisted Living at the age of 86. Jim was born January 1, 1931 on the family farm east of Rock Creek to Gunnard and Neva (Morrow) Berglund.  He had an older sister Myrna that he adored and loved dearly.  In high school Jim played on some championship teams in football, basketball, baseball and track.  All high school sports at that time were coached by Les Nell and his assistant coach George Saunders, of whom Jim admired and respected for the rest of his life. After high school Jim worked a short time for the Rush City Maple Island Milk Drying Plant.  In April 1952, he married his high school sweetheart Ruthellen Tomlinson and to this union they were blessed with four sons Doug, Dan, Dick and Jim.  Jim worked for Scenic Sign Company of Pine City for nine years.  In 1959, Scenic Sign Company moved to St. Cloud.  Jim and Dennis Thorne stayed in Pine City and incorporated Sta-Brite Sign Company.  Dennis retired in 1983; Jim continued to run the business for many years before selling to son Dick. After 54 years of marriage his loving wife Ruthellen passed away.  For the next 10 years Jim continued to be an inspiration to his sons and their extended families.  He remained an avid Canadian and St. Croix fisherman with his longtime friend Dayton Hawkinson and a crew of storytellers.  He was also the admired leader at the hunting shack with his sons and grandsons. Jim was a proud 20 year member Pine City Fire Department.  Until his retirement, he served on the Chamber of Commerce, Development Corporation, Athletic Association, Jasper Masonic Lodge and 12 years in the Pine City Army National Guard. Dad, Gramps and Grandpa the Great will be dearly missed, loved and remembered. He is survived by his sons Doug (Becky) Berglund of Pine City, Dan (Julie) Berglund of Pine City, Dick Berglund of rural Hinckley, Jim (Dawn) Berglund of Park Rapids, grandchildren:  Jade, Katie, Jennie, Sam, Holly, Jaci, Nick, Becci, Abby, Luke, Noah; 18 great grandchildren;  nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents A. Gunnard & Neva (Morrow) Berglund; loving wife Ruthellen (Tomlinson) Berglund; daughter-in-law Barb Berglund; grandson Beau Berglund; and sister Myrna Emerson. Pastor Fred Hanson will officiate funeral services for Jim: 11 AM; Friday, (3/24) at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City.  A time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-8 PM Thursday (3/23) at the Swanson Chapel with a Masonic service at 7:30 PM. A time of visitation will also occur one hour prior to the service at the church.  Music will be provided by Glenna Reierson, Gary Hawkinson, Mark Osterdyk, Adrienne Roubinek & Doug Berglund.  Casket bearers include Jim’s grandsons: Jade, Sam, Nick, Luke and Noah Berglund and Ben Smetana.  Honorary casket bearers include Jerry Hoefler, Howard Ledin, Dayton Hawkinson, Dallas Madison, Loring Nelson and Steve Erickson.  The Bell Ceremony and flag folding will be provided by the Pine City Fire Department in honor of Jim’s service.  A spring interment will take place in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.  www.funeralandcremationservice.com