James (Jim) Robert Stelley
Sunday, February 25, 1962
Date of Death:
Monday, October 16, 2023
Age:
61 years old
Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday November 04, 2023
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday November 04, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Live Stream
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Sunday, February 25, 1962
Date of Death:
Monday, October 16, 2023
Age:
61 years old
Sunday, February 25, 1962
Date of Death:
Monday, October 16, 2023
Age:
61 years old
James (Jim) Robert Stelley
James (Jim) Robert Stelley
Jim Stelley, 61, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Mayo Clinic St Marys Hospital, surrounded by his wife and family. Jim had fought a rare lung condition, Diffuse Pulmonary Lymphangiomatosis (DPL).
Jim was born to Robert and Laureen (Kraus) Stelley in Rochester, MN on February 25, 1962. He was number 6 of 8 siblings (affectionately called the 8Js). In December 1982, Jim and Linda Lee Sherden were introduced by mutual friends. They had an instant connection, became soulmates, and were married on July 20, 1985.
Jim attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1980. After completing Rochester Community College, he attended Baylor University in Waco, TX. He graduated from Baylor in August 1985 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. In January 1986, he began working for the Wal-Mart Corporation as an assistant store manager in Graham and Breckenridge, TX. After receiving a phone call from his father and brother Jon, Jim and Linda returned to Rochester so Jim could run the family businesses.
Jim worked as the General Manager/Owner of Westgate Service Center on the west side of Rochester, a business his father had started in the mid-1970s. Jim’s parents also owned an ice company in the late 1960s, which eventually became Stelley’s Pure Ice. In the early days, you could find the entire Stelley family bagging and delivering ice to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, campgrounds, etc. Stelley’s Pure Ice continued to grow with guidance from their parents. Jim and Jon became owners in 1987. You could find many of the 5th Avenue neighborhood friends bagging and delivering for SPI – for many, it was their first job. After building a large customer base and years of hard work, SPI was sold to Arctic Glacier Ice in 2000, which opened the door for the brothers to buy Westgate Service Center from their parents. It has continued to thrive under their ownership. Jim was the president of Westgate Service Center and Vice President/Secretary of J&J Properties, which includes a real estate portfolio of commercial properties in Rochester and Sioux Falls, SD.
Jim worked hard and was dedicated to running a successful small business. He had excellent business acumen and strived to make each customer feel like family.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and relaxing at his “happy place” at Lake Zumbro on Ryan’s Bay. Most of all, Jim loved and adored his family. He was a son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, godfather, uncle, and trusted friend.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Lee (Sherden); his mother, Laureen; and siblings; Jean (Scott) Larson of Rochester; Judy Behnken of Boise, ID; Jacquie (Ed) Fricker of Stewartville; Jill (Bill) Virden of Golden, CO; Jeff (Connie) Stelley of Rochester; Janet (Gary) Gunderson of Rochester; Jon (Deanna) of Rochester; Brother-in-laws: David (Beth) Sherden, Onalaska WI; Scott (Lisa) Sherden, Arkdale WI; Bruce (Beth) Sherden, Alexandria MN.
Though he and Linda did not have children, they were blessed by their nieces and nephews: Kelly (Jeff ) Braun, Andy Larson, Sarah (Ryan) Rossow; Marissa (Mike) Boxall, Katie (Pule) Puaauli, Camryn (Mason) Dugger; Kevin (Kim) Lund, Laureen Lund, Samantha Fricker, Eddie (Tierynee) Fricker; Tess, Margaret Jane Virden; Benjamin (Katie) Grant, Missy (Jason) Brekke, Brittany (James) Yaworski, Brianna (Josh) Wright; Hannah, Elisabeth, Grace, Joseph, Matthew, Margaret, Kate Stelley; Meaghan, Elissa Lee (Jared) Sherden, Allyson (Ben) Bierman; Travis (Sarah), Tyler (Rachelle), Colin (Ashley) Sherden; Eric (Miranda), Adam, Ryan Sherden; 33 great nieces/nephews; one great, great niece.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert, infant brother, Jerry, and brother-in-law Jeff Behnken.
In the spirit of Jim’s generosity, the family chose to donate Jim’s lungs to Mayo Clinic Research in the hope of providing a better understanding of this rare disease. The family wishes to thank Jim’s care team on Mary Brigh 6G (Lexi, Katie, Katie, Jordan, Megan, and the pulmonary team) for their phenomenal care.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of James (Jim) Robert Stelley has received the following condolences.
My sincere condolences ,to Linda and the entire Stelley family .Were all going to mis Jim. Jim was very knowledgeable, trustworthy ,professional, just fun to carry a conversation with. love Marcia and Jim Thompson
We were so disappointed we couldn’t attend Jim’s celebration of life. We did get to watch it online and it was beautiful. WE all need a KELLY to give our eulogy. Nicely Done. All the Stelley’s made us feel warm and welcome when visiting his parents but Jim just had a wonderful kind way of greeting us. One stands out in our minds when Aunt George was so ill and we came over to see her. Jim was by our sides introducing everyone and visiting with us so kindly. David will always remember the great Fourth of July’s spend with the Stelley kids on the farm. Not exactly sure but thinking Jim was having so much fun on the dirt bike that he ran into the shed on one Fourth. Luckily we all survived with the horses, swimming, dirt bike riding and firecrackers especially the illegal ones Uncle Gene brought from Missouri. Easy to see why Jim was so well loved by his family. A kind gentle soul with his laugh and sense of humor. May these wonderful memories bring you peace during this difficult time of losing a loved one way too soon just like our beloved Sue. You’ll all be in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy.
We are so deeply saddened. Rest in Peace my friend❤️❤️❤️
Dear Stelley Family,
Wish we could be there to support you and offer condolences in person. Sending you all hugs for healing. Dan knew Jim from his many visits to Westgate for service and always enjoyed seeing him there. I have know the Stelley family since my St Francis School days with Jean and time spent working with Judy and Jacquie. Such a wonderful family. Will be thinking about you on Saturday.
Dan and Rita ( Sell) Marquardt
To the Stelley Family
I wish to express my sincere condolences to you at the passing of Jim. I shall always remember Jim as the nicest upper classman I ever met at Lourdes. He was a true gentleman in every way.
Regards
Joe Berry
Linda and Stelley Family I am sorry for your loss! It was a shock to learn of his passing. Jim was a genuine caring and all- around nice man! I knew him as I have had my vehicles serviced at Westgate Auto for years. He was a friend! Dale Reinecke
Dear Linda,
We are so terribly sorry. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Phil McPhee
Dear Stelley family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim was such a kind and caring man. We hope your cherished memories of time spent with him will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Our Sincere Sympathy,
Laurie and Jim Korsmo
Linda & Stelley Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a kind and gentle man. May he rest in peace, and may you all find peace and comfort in the loving memories you have of Jim. God bless you all.
Uncle Dan & Barbie
We are very sorry for your loss & our sincere sympathy to all the family. Jim & Bev Adams
Will miss his customer relation skills, and personality. I was shocked to see his obituary!
Family, so sorry about Jim. He was the nicest guy, loved talking with him. Missing him already.
It was our Good Fortune to live in the vicinity of Westgate Car Care. . From the first visit Jim took great care my wife and my vehicle needs. I can't think of a service station for which I had more Trust. I considered Jim a friend and he treated me and everyone with respect and kindness. To say he'll be missed is an understatement. Condolences to Linda as well as the entire family. Bob and Ruth.
Janet,
I am sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
God bless,
Cindy
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss of your brother Jim. Do be taking especially good care of yourself as this new normal unfolds.
With shared love,
Jerry Porter
Dear Stelley Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s death.Although I did not ever meet Jim, I have, since 1985, had the great pleasure of working with Jill at both Craig and Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO. Jill is the embodiment of a professional with patients, staff and families . If Jim was just half of love, talent and friendship that Jill exudes, he must have been a giant of a man.
Please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers as well as dozens of Craig Hospital staff.
Please take good care of yourselves during this terrible time and beyond. I hope that your memories of Jim will be helpful as you navigate the grief process.
With my deepest sympathy,
Janie
Linda and Jeff
My heart goes out to you and the Stelley family with the passing of Jim. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending my deepest condolences. I hope the memories, laughter, and joy shared throughout the years can provide comfort in this difficult time.
Cousin Jim, you were always the life of the party. Joking around. I looked forward to seeing you and Linda at every family event. There weren't enough, though, because now you're gone. Sending so much love to my Stelley family in this hard time. You guys are the best. ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
Another life taken from our family way too soon.
I'm so thankful I got to know some of your family.. through Sue.. and I know first hand how hard this will be.
My heart goes out especially to Laureen (Chol) and Linda.. but I would be remiss to not include the rest of those mourning Jim.. I will be thinking of you all
1104
God bless all the Stelleys from the Jewison family. What a kind and giving person Jim was - a smile and offer to help every time we saw him. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Linda and family, so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was such a fine person, always greeting anyone with a big smile and laughter. Jim and Linda were such good neighbors in the day.
Sincerely Cliff Carlson
Oh Linda, I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I'm happy I was able to meet him at Sophia A.’s baby shower and talk “hockey”. My heart is with you during this sad time. Much love to you-Michelle Tellier
Linda & family ..
So sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure the special memories left behind will be reminders of fun times never to be forgotten. Sincerely, our condolences to you and all of your family.
Love,
Ed & Fran ...
Linda and Stelley family,
We are so very sad to hear of Jim’s death. We will miss him greatly, he’s been such a wonderful, kind and considerate neighbor and just a great guy to know all around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
RIP Jim!
Kim and Cindy Cunningham
Linda,
May your memories of Jim and the love of your family surround you and give you strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dana Hunter
Dear Linda,
So shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
During this time of profound grief, please know that you are not alone. You son’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all you knew and loved him.
Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
The Frear/Welsh Family
Linda-
We are so saddened to hear this news. I’m sure everyone who knew Jim loved him! Our boys will treasure July 4 fireworks memories with him… sending a hug from us and hoping the good memories can make you smile on the hard days.
The Pederson’s
Dear Jeannie and Stelley family- so sorry to hear of your loss. I will pray for you all. May Peace be with you all in the days ahead and forevermore! Love, Jeanne (Trusty) Vehrenkamp
Linda and Family so sorry for your loss of your beloved Jim. May the memories you have help you through this difficult time.
Karen Grev
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. The Stelley's, Sheridan's and Wente's all share a common and fun friendship among ourselves to remember. May God give you comfort and courage while we all share in this time of sorrow. Peace be with you.
Maggie (Wente) McGillicuddy
I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I hope that you are comforted by the love and prayers of your many friends and that you will always be blessed by Jim's memory.
Dear Stelley Family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will treasure my memories of Jim. They all revolve around laughter.
Much love-
Cathy McNary Pletta
Sending love, prayers, and hugs at this time of heartbreak.
Linda and The Stelleys,
Words can not describe what a huge loss this is for our family. Family functions will NEVER be as loud, the silence will be felt by all of us.
From Christmas Crafting Angels, to time spent at the lake, and sharing of whiskey. Jim was truly one of a kind, just like Grandpa Stelley. We will never be able to fill that void.
I love you Stelleys and Linda!
Our hearts go out to you Linda. We are so sorry for this gigantic loss. All our prayers to you and your families. John and Gretchen O’Neil
So many amazing memories of times spent with Linda and Jim. Our hearts are shattered for Linda and all of the family . RIP Jim. You were one of the best !
Peggy and Gregg Wohlers
My condolences to the Stelley family. Jim was one of the best. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.