James Allen Tonjum

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, June 25, 1963
Date of Death:
Monday, June 6, 2022
Age:
58 years old

Visitation

Date: Saturday June 25, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Saturday June 25, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Notes

The Service will be Livestreamed at 2:00pm Central Time on 6/25/2022 here: https://youtu.be/o9d9Lm3tOq0

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, June 25, 1963
Date of Death:
Monday, June 6, 2022
Age:
58 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, June 25, 1963
Date of Death:
Monday, June 6, 2022
Age:
58 years old

James Allen Tonjum

James Allen Tonjum, 58 of Rochester, died unexpectedly Monday, June 06, 2022, at his home with his wife.

Jim was born June 25, 1963 in Faribault, Minnesota, to Gertrude and Richard Tonjum. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1982 and continued his education, graduating from Stout University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  Jim worked in Human Services for years helping others. He became a union painter and eventually owned his own painting business.

Jimmy T was a friend of Bill W. and celebrated over 39 years of sobriety. He dedicated his life to helping others. He was a boxing coach and a mentor to the youth in the Rochester community for decades. He devoted his time to twelve step work for over 39 years, helping thousands of people. Jim’s commitment to helping others affected generations of families. If his phone rang, he would always pick it up and listen. People that had the opportunity to be with Jim over time, have said, “I am the person I am today, because of Jim”. Jim was a humble man; no one knew the amount of work he was doing with others behind the scenes. He was a loving, calm, gentle, funny, and supportive husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, sponsor, and friend. Jim loved to golf, box, fish, hunt, camp, play softball, travel, paint ceramics, sew, and spend time with his beloved extended family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Amy Ingalls; two daughters Taylor and Teagan Tonjum; four siblings Rick (Mary) Tonjum, Pam (Russ) Mullenburg, Tim (Kate) Tonjum, and Randy (Gina) Tonjum, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Gert and Dick Tonjum, and his older brother Jerry Tonjum.

Jim’s celebration of life will be held at Macken Funeral home Saturday, June 25th. Visitation is from 12:00pm to 2:00 pm., followed by a service officiated by Nick Mezacapa. Refreshments and birthday cake will be served following.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of James Allen Tonjum has received the following condolences.

Amy,


As you know, Jim was a mentor for young boys. He was a boxing coach. That is how I first met him. My youngest son, Tim, like many young boys, had trouble with authority and finding his way in life. I thought boxing would be a good way to allow him to have an outlet for his hostilities in a controlled environment. Jim took Tim under his wing and not only provided boxing instruction, but also instilled coping-with-life skills. Under Jim's tutelage, Tim boxed for the Golden Gloves State Championship when he was 15 years old. Tim may not have won that match, but he gained a lifelong friend.


I have been fortunate to have played softball for may years. As I grew older, I was able to play on the same team with my two sons, Josh and Tim. Jim was also on that team. We may not have won all of our games, but we were competitive. He was a solid player, a wonderful mentor and a great friend. He made us all better. He was simply a good man and he will be missed.

Amy and family -


So very sorry for your loss. God has a plan and purpose for us all.


I first met Jim when I was dating and later married his older brother Rick. Jim was a very good brother-inlaw. He gave me my first Mother's Day gift for his niece and Godchild Nicole. He very much loved his niece and the ones that came after. Big family.


Although I'm no longer a Tonjum, my daughters are a part of this family. I'm not sure the last time I saw you and Jim, maybe at Dana's wedding? Seems like there was another event. I thought you both looked like you were "soulmates" and very much in love. This is a very difficult time you're going through. I cannot imagine the pain. And the joy of all the memories and experiences you had with your husband. He will always be close to your heart.


Prayers for you and your family, Amy.

We are so sorry for your loss. Jim helped us out several times around our house and always had a smile to share. Cherish your memories. Mike and Nancy Neuman

 To all of Jimmy's family and great friends, my prayers go out to you all!!


He was a great friend and so strong in our recovery community! I hope we carry on his legacy to many more!! Love you Jimmy! Rest in peace Brother!! Hugs to Amy and the girls!!

Dear Amy and family,


Jimmy T will long be remembered as one of the great friends of Bill W, humble, courageous, giving and always brightening the rooms when he walked in. I miss his friendship & his not laughing at my golf skills or lack thereof. Thank you Jim! Al F


 

I've spent the week saying this... there really has been no other human I've known that was more funny,  more comforting, more humble, more supportive and more forgiving that Jimmy T.  We all gained from him. 


My heart just breaks for the entire family but especially for you girls and Amy. He loved you so much and never stopped talking about you.  You were blessed. I hope you all find peace knowing he's still with you.

Jimmy was amazing kind and always made people smile. I'll never forget the card games and laughs

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry. We we occasional internet pals. He was one of the good ones.

So sad to hear about Jim's passing, he was a great man!! RIP  Jim  ,,,,,Jeff Bongers 

Praying for you Amy ! And for all the family related to Jim ??❤️


May God give you strength when you need it most …the love never ends.


love you…kelly 

my deepest sympathy to you. A great memory is a meal with our men on the deck last summer with Jim telling stories of boxing injuries followed by Amy, Jeni, and I firing up the karaoke machine in the living room that Jim painted years ago. 

I’m so sorry that the family has to go through this.  My deepest sympathy!  I remember when all of the cousins would get together at grandpa Tonjum’s Cabin we always had fun when we got together that was just one time of many that came to mind.  I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to make it to the Celebration of Life.  I’ll be thinking about you and you will be in my prayers.  Rest In Peace Jim 

I am so sorry for the untimely loss of your James.


With shared love as a friend of Bill W


Jerry Porter


 

Amy, I am so sorry for your loss and I can't imagine that hole in your heart at this time.  Jim was such a nice guy and I am so glad I got to know him when he painted our walls.  He made me laugh each day the 2 weeks he spent at our house.  I know for a fact that during your week days of working was there ever a day without talking to Jim on the phone and you always came back after that conversation with such a smile.  He cheered you up and boy did we have some terrible days sometimes on urogynecology and you so needed that pick me up from him.  He made you shine.  I do know that you too are such a wonderful person who makes others feel good as Jim did.  You have so many friends and family to support you through this very hard time in your life.  I know that I am one of those people.  My heart just bleeds for you and Jim's whole family.  Life as you know it is gone without Jim however you have all your memories with him to cling onto and I know that god will guide your way through this struggle. 

I was so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hugs

My Sympathy to the family of Jim! He was always very humble and kind in high school. Sounds like he carried that presence throughout life helping others. I won’t be able to attend his visitation, but am there in spirit. Sounds like a great way to celebrate his life on his birth date. RIP Jim!


cheryl Merritt

What a magnificent man Jim has been! 


I am honored to have been his friend and I deeply admired him. 


Although my heart aches for Amy,  Taylor, Teagen & all of Jum's family, I'm quite certain that Jim would want us all to continue to "trudge the road of happy destiny."


Until we meet again, Jimmy T !!

My most heartfelt condolences to Amy, family, and loved ones. I pray for everyone during this most difficult time and for days to come. 


Most sincerely,


Pat Ridout

     Jim Tonjum was the greatest person to be with. He always made you feel like he enjoyed your company.  I'll never forget that sweet Nephew of mine. I said this before and I'll say this again that God will getting a very great Human Being. Love you my super Nephew.