Date of Birth:
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