James "Jim" R. Hammarlund

James “Jim” Roger Hammarlund, 91, a long-time resident of Duluth, passed away on February 27, 2026 at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, where he resided for the past three years. He waited for this special day to surprise his wife in Heaven on her 91st birthday.

He was born the third of six children on May 10, 1934, in Cloquet, MN, to Wilford and Fanny (Jarvis) Hammarlund. He attended high school in Esko, MN, graduating in 1953. During his school years, he served as class president, played tackle on the football team, and participated in class plays.

Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and served in the 28th Infantry Regiment, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He could still recite his service number from memory without hesitation.

In 1957, he met Virginia “Ginny” Hammarlund on a blind date. They were married on November 15, 1958, during a Minnesota blizzard at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet. They made their home in Esko, where Jim worked for 21 years as a machinist at Northwest Paper/Potlatch Paper Company. He later retired in 1991 from Marshall School. He was involved with Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International for twenty years and held several offices, the last as president.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed the beauty of the North Shore, traveling to Florida, listening to music, fishing, playing his harmonica, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, volunteering at church, and praying for others. He especially cherished participating in activities at Angel Ridge Senior Housing, where he spent his final three years. Together, Jim and Ginny raised two daughters and celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife and parents; his brother, Vernon; and his sister, Lois. He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Ray) Reistad and Sharon Hammarlund (friend Gary Zimm); two granddaughters, Meghan (Jake) and Courtney (Jake “Bear”); one great-grandson; and siblings Kenneth, Jerry, and Dan.

Jim had a deep relationship with his Heavenly Father and devoted his life to sharing the love of Jesus with others. He is now rejoicing in being home. His favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He will be remembered for his steady faith, quick smile, and unwavering love for his family.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Guardian Angels Senior Housing, 350 Evans Avenue NW, Elk River, MN. Arrangements are with Dares Funeral home (daresfuneralservice.com) of Elk River.