James “Jim” Fletcher Woodruff
Monday, September 17, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Age:
80 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday February 13, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday February 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: St. Bridgets Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Saturday February 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: St. Bridgets Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: St. Bridget's Cemetery [ view map ]
Monday, September 17, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Age:
80 years old
Monday, September 17, 1945
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Age:
80 years old
James “Jim” Fletcher Woodruff
James “Jim” Woodruff, 80, of Rochester, MN died Saturday February 7, 2026.
Jim Woodruff was born on September 17, 1945, in Hibbing, MN, to Jim and Mary Woodruff. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Rochester, MN. A 1963 graduate of Lourdes High School, Jim went on to attend Marquette University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned his license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota.
After beginning his career at Honeywell Ordnance in the Twin Cities, he attended the University of Minnesota to earn a Master’s degree in Environmental Health. While at the University, he met Sandy Norris; they were married on June 23, 1973.
Following their marriage, the couple moved to Rochester, where he joined the family business, Woodruff Company. Deeply committed to his community, Jim served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Lourdes Foundation. He was a proud member of Rotary for 40 years.
He cherished time with his family and loved traveling, always eager to meet new people along the way. Jim had a great fondness for animals of all kinds—a passion that spanned 36 years of raising llamas, alongside his many dogs, cats, and horses. He also had a keen affinity for elephants.
An aviator at heart, Jim earned his private pilot’s license during his senior year of high school. By age 25, he had earned his commercial and instrument ratings. He logged over a thousand hours in the air over his 35+ years as a pilot. He found great joy in flying his Beechcraft S36 Bonanza and attending the EAA AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, WI, every summer.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy; his daughter, Heidi; sons, Christopher and Paul (Jessica); grandsons, Simon, Max, Jude, and Leo; and seven siblings.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Bridget’s in Simpson, with Father Kevin Connolly officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Bridget’s Cemetery.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of James “Jim” Fletcher Woodruff has received the following condolences.
Dear Sandy, Richard and family,
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I haven’t seen him much in recent times, but over the years I enjoyed how engaging he was when we would see each other. I’ve always been grateful for him giving me a job when I was in college on break, and for the interest he showed in my career.
Your family is in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have such fond memories of growing up with my good friend Tom and the entire Woodruff family.
My sympathy to the family of Mr. Woodruff as he was known to me. Remembering the many times I encountered his smile and laugh checking him in at the Rochester Airport while working at Northwest airlines. He was always happy and brightened my day. Take care family and hold his memories in your heart cause he touched mine.
Dear Sandy and all the family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a truly kind and generous person . Even though time has passed we have never forgotten his goodness. May he rest in Peace and God Bless all of you.
Love Susy, Flor, Vicky and all the Mulqui family
Sandy & Family So sorry to hear of Jim passing. Our deepest Sympathy & Blessings to & your families. God Bless 🙏♥️
Dear Sandy and Family, Joe and I sent our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace and God Bless all of you. Love,Joe and Libby
Sorry to see you go, big brother. I looked up to you throughout my life, didn’t always agreeing with you.
I was proud of your flying skills and enjoy flying with you on multiple occasions. The most memorable was the time we went up at night, there was a little doubt in my mine whether we’d find our way home.
I’ll miss stopping and just visiting about the Woodruff Company, family, family events and politics.
God Bless you. God bless your family; Sandy, Christopher, Heidi, Paul, Jessica, Simon, Max, Jude & Leo. And, God Bless your original family; John (Ginger), Bill (Chris), Frank (Jane), Laurie (Jim), JoAnn, Myself (Julie) & Richard (Julie 2).
Brother Tom
My condolences to the family. I’m so glad I was able to see Jim at the 80th birthday party in September of 2025. He will definitely be missed.
Sandy and the entire Woodruff family,
I was very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Growing up with Paul, I have so many fond memories with your family, and I wanted to share a few of them as you grieve.
Jim was always kind, approachable, and steady—someone who was easy to talk to and never seemed rattled or in a bad mood. One memory that still stands out is when I was 15 and Jim took Paul and a group of us to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the EAA AirVenture air show. It was an incredible experience, and to this day, whenever I meet someone from the Oshkosh area or anyone interested in aviation, that trip comes to mind.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much effort and patience it takes to take a group of teenagers on a trip like that. Looking back, it’s clear Jim truly enjoyed it. At the air show, I remember watching him talk with exhibitors—asking thoughtful, in-depth questions, not because he wanted to buy something, but because of his genuine curiosity and passion for aviation. That enthusiasm was unmistakable.
Jim’s insight and perspective carried well beyond aviation. I still remember the financial and investment advice he shared with me at Paul and Jess’s groom’s dinner—advice I continue to value to this day.
Jim was truly a great man, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Matt
I met Jim during our first year at Marquette and we were roommates for several years. I’ve kept in touch with Jim annually and was very sorry to hear of his passing. I live in Connecticut so I haven't seen Jim in a while. My thoughts and prayers to his family at this difficult time.
I am very sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. I'm grateful for his kindness to me and my family, his curiosity and inquisitiveness about my life and work, and his spirit of generosity. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Woodruff family my sympathies to your family. I remember Jim very well from Lourdes High school and of course your llama farm .
My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time, Jim Johnson
I’m so sorry for your loss. Very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a good soul. I will definitely put him on my prayer list.
Connie
Just had our Lourdes Reunion in September and got to visit with Jim. One of the nicest people you would want to meet. Our sympathy to the families
It was a pleasure and honor to call Jim a true friend during much of my childhood and adult life, reconnecting in the past 2-3 decades. God bless you, Jim, and I trust that we’ll see each other in the next life.
Bill
Requiescat In Pace big brother …