Dear Sue, Ben and Michael,

So saddened about the news of Jim's death.  We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could have  shared our condolences in person.  We will always remember his great smile.

Dan and Rita Marquardt

Sue, Ben and Michael,

We have been out of town and I just learned of Jim's death.  My heart goes out to you and the boys.

I wish I had been able to be at his wake and give you a hug. You were always so supportive of me at St. Pius.  

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Blessings,

Jean Briggs

I was out of town last week and on Friday night I came home at 9:30PM . I met Kyle my neighbor who asked if I had received the letter.  I did not know what he was talking about.  When he told me of Jim's death I was so sad. I want to offer my deepest condolences to all of you.  I would have been there to honor Jim , but I was out of town. I have the crucifix he gave me when I moved in on my wall and I will always treasure the wood part and your contribution , Sue which he told me was the corpus. 

I am grateful for his life and the many ways that he reached out to me and made our Twin Poplars home a really beautiful place. Again, I wish I could have told you all that in person.

Sister Christine

Sue, Ben, and Mike,

I am so sorry to hear about Jim.  Please know that you are all in a special place in my heart.  The love of family is something that has always stayed with me - a gift your family has given me.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Monica Huntoon 

Sue, my prayers to you and the family.

Ben Maes

At this time of sorrow, may you find comfort in your memories.

Mitch Anderson

I will never forget the fake punt at Owatonna during the 1973 Big Nine championship game when Jim vaulted down the sidelines to put the Rockets in position to win this game in the last couple of minutes and then on to a state title.  I had the pleasure working with Jim on Rocky Mc Calebs retaining wall business and when was around there was never a dull moment and lots of laugher,  I have known the Alker family since I was a young boy and my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Dear Sue,

I have no words to express how deeply sorry I am to hear about your husband. I am in shock to hear this news.

I will be thinking of you and the rest of the family and would love to see you once you have settled down.

Sending you a lot of love and a hug.

Yoshi

Having worked for Jim for almost 5 years he instilled upon me how to work efficiency, take pride in your work and to always be the best at what you do.  I learned very valuable life skills from Jim that will never be forgotten.    I can't make it down today, but my thoughts and prayers are with you Sue, Ben & Michael.

Jim was the plumbing contractor on our home built several years ago.  He did a great job and was responsive to questions or problems.  We got to know him during this process and realized what a fine person he was.  We are deeply saddened by his premature death.

Dearest Sue,

We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy.....

The Streiffs

Sorry for the loss. Just remember him as a customer at Arrow Ace Hardware. Always friendly always loved to talk cooking.

 We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. We thought the world of Jim. He was very kind to us and a person we trusted. 

Please know your family is being held in the prayers of many who share in your grief. May all who grieve feel the embrace of God's loving arms holding you close in his care.  

I am sorry for your loss of loved one. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.  I work with Jean at possabilities.  God be with your family.  Darcia Swanson

May Jim rest in peace. May God help comfort the family and friends. Cherish the fond memories.

Steve Hust/ JM class of 1974

To Sue,Ben, and Michael,

I have known Jim and Sue for almost 28years and Jim has always been caring and giving to everyone  he met. That big smile on his face never went away. My dear friend, Jim, has past and he will be missed terribly.  Heaven has received another angel.  ??????

Will see you all tomorrow 

My prayers are with you

Love 

Kelly

I would like to extend my deep sympathies to Jim's wife and family over their loss.  I was so sad to learn of his death.  I never met Jim in person, but we talked often on the phone over the past 1 1/2 years as I worked to upgrade his business software.  Jim had big plans for the application and I was very happy to be able to help him and work with him to achieve his objectives.  I will truly miss his phone calls and our conversations.  He was a real pleasure to work with.  He was very kind, generous, and appreciative.  He loved to tell me about his next new invention.

He seemed to have an interest in the bible and we often discussed what the bible really teaches.  At such times as this, it's comforting to know that those who pass away are not forgotten.  They are in God's memory and God promises that through his Son, Jesus Christ, the dead will be brought back to life by means of a resurrection.  So while I will miss him, I look forward to finally meeting him in person when he lives again here on earth in God's due time.

Sincerely,

Robert Adler
Eagle Dbase Solutions
Cherry Hill, New Jersey

To Jill Alker, from Laurie,  I was so sorry to hear that your brother passed away.  I remember his beautiful smile in high school and how much you adored him.  He had a wonderful family and children and I pray for all of you that his love and memory will give you all comfort.  Sincerely, Laurie Stoffer Steiger

Dear Sue, Mike & Ben,

It is with a heavy heart that we write this note to you.  We worked with Jim on a number of his inventions and always appreciated his excitement and passion for building something from an idea.  We enjoyed his chase of the idea and the banter and exchange of thought that he brought to his projects.  We will miss him greatly!

Your Friends at PTM ( Progressive Tool & Manufacturing )

You are all in our thoughts and prayers,

Scott M Zwart - Plant Manager

On behalf of the Drews family, please accept our sincere condolences.  We share in your loss and wish you God's warm embrace during this very difficult time.  Please know that my Dad always spoke very fondly of Jimmy, and recognized his talents and commitment.  Hold tight to your memories.  We do, and not a day goes by when we know life will never be the same.

I picked up the paper today and saw of my friend Jim Alker passing, this is so sad as he was a great guy.  We had a large class at J.M. but as senior year rolled around we all seemed to know one another.  I worked with Jim putting up retaining walls earning money for college. I remember how strong he was as he could life a huge railroad tie and place it over head on a wall. I recall seeing Jim at our 5 year class reunion from our class of "74". Jim was so upbeat and he told me of an invention he was working on.  In reviewing some of the other story's and comments of Jim I noted many of our former class mates and friends postings. This is truly the wide circle of people Jim called FRIEND.

We all go through the journey of life meeting many people. I can say without any reservation that is was an honor to have known Jim.

God Bless, in your journey

Jim Blum

My deepest sympathy to Jims family.

Jim had a way to make everyone feel welcome with his smile and candor. It was always prevalent. This was true on and off the playing field and throughout his life. Jims hands on aptitude and creative design as a teenager and as an adult inspired me in many ways. Thank you Jim, you will be missed.

So sorry to hear such sad news.  To say that Jim will be missed is no doubt an understatement.  There were two things in this world you could rely with absolute certainty - (1) - the sun was going to come up and (2) Jim Alker.  

Our thoughts are with the family. 

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; But the love and memories of the departed leaves a memory no one can steal.

Sue, Ben And Mike,

Jim was a very personable man. He made one feel like family when you were with him. Jim was always good to the kids on the youth hockey team..very upbeat and supportive. I know Matt always enjoyed him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. You all have so many wonderful friends who will be there on the difficult days; Let the great memories help carry through this difficult time.

I will not be able to attend the service due to short staffing at work. I will think of yall tomorrow.

Hugs,

Kathy Manning

So sad to hear of your loss. Jim was a good man and will be truely missed. Our hearts weigh heavy for the family.

Saddens me deeply to read of Jim's passing. One of the most understanding, compassionate men, I have ever met. May you fly with the Angles Jim! Thank you for being there for me as young men, struggling to find our way, in this sometimes unforgiving world. I send prayers for comfort, and healing, to your family. I am a better man for having know you. R.I.P. my friend.

my condolences to the Alker family! RIP Jim!!

Dear Sue and family,

my deepest sympathy on your loss. Nothing ever prepares you for it. May you find comfort in the times of love and happiness you shared.

My thoughts are with you. Don't forget that I am here for you, if you need me.

Herta

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Have many great memories that include Jim, from our college days at Gustavus to all the hockey related experiences we shared as a result of our kids. Our prayers go out to the family. RIP Jim.

Alker Family,

Our thoughts and condolences are with you during this difficult time. Jim was a wonderful man that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We will cherish the many fond memories we have of Jim and hope that your memories will provide a life time of solace...

Rest in peace Jim, 

Its so hard to imagine life without Jimmy... RIP Jim.  Our prayers go out to the family. Love you Sue.

Dear Alker Family,

It has been many years since I last saw Jimmie but when we did see each other we always talked about the most famous play in John Marshall HS Football history. "The Fake Punt" 1973. I was there blocking for you Jimmy. My Condolences go out to his family and many dear friends.

Willie Wenzel

So sorry for the loss of my buddy Jim.   I have many memories I'll cherish for every. Prayers to the family. 

Dear Sue,Mike ,Ben  and the entire Alker family   We all lost a very great man on Monday .Not too many people know how hard it is to run a business , take care of renters  ,get the invoices out , and its everyday pressures.    Jimmy was extreamly organized ,intellengent ,hardworking ,driven , Always thinking of his next Invention .Every day a new message on his answer machine. Where he was going and doing that day  Leaving early to get the work done . He love talking about Sue , Ben and Mike  always told me about doing things with the family,camping, Fishing, going to a Hockey tournament ,Golfing ,He loved you all . He will be missed by all of us ,Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Alkers From the Thompsons  Jim and Marcia red and Eunice Dustin and Kayla Stephanie And Kyle Robinson 

Dear Sue, Mike and Ben,

   I can't make it Friday to the service but please know that you are ALL in my thoughts and prayers and will be for a long time..............   Find peace in that Jim is no longer struggling and in a much better place, still won't be easy, but he will forever be with you in spirit until you all meet again!

Take Care

Duane, Diane and Kelsi Helgerson

We will miss you, Jimmy, and hope you are inventing something in heaven.

Love, 

Jill

It's still hard to believe he's not with us. Love you brother, rest in peace!

So sorry to hear about Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Jim.

I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, Jim.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys ... One Day at A Time.

We love you Sue!

The Timmons Family ...

Bev, Denise (LHS '99)

David (LHS '07), Erica and Eddie!

I knew Jim from John Marshall and the class of '74. I briefly played football with him for one season at JM, but knew him growing up in Rochester. Jim was steady and a leader in many ways. I had moved away many years ago; however, a person's impact on people's lives and memories transcends time and are lasting -  that can truly be said of Jim. My condolences and prayers for the family. 

R.I.P Jimmy Solo....you will be deeply missed.

Sue, Ben, Michael and family, 

May all the wonderful memories you have of Jim shine light in your hearts during the difficult days that lie ahead of you...

Jeannie

I will miss you brother Jimmy. We will be there for everyone.

I only met Jim once or twice but those times he made a large impact on my life one of the times he boosted my confidence and he had me go up on the stage and just pound away on the drums when AJ and Mike had the band I was so scared to but Jim came up there with me and made me laugh and taught me some things and then I thought I would try it myself for a while..

My heart goes out to your family especially Sue, Mike and Ben <3 Stay strong guys

Dearest Sue, Ben and Mike,

You are all on my mind, in my thoughts, in my prayers. There are no words. Love you all. I'm here when you  need me. 

Sue, we always cross paths for a reason.

All my Love,

Maria 

To the Family of Jim Alker,

Jim was our plumber and always did a great job. He was patient, friendly, and honest. We encountered Jim many times while taking the dogs out for a walk. Enjoyed conversations with him. We are so sad he is gone. Will miss him. Our deepest sympathy to your family.

Michael and Suzanne Markuson

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sue and your sons.  Our hearts are heavy.  Jim was a good friend to Peter and he will be missed.  

Great guy.  Did my plumbing in a new house that my brother built me in 1986 and did a great job.  Great to work with.  As you can see the theme here is "great".  Will miss him.

May care and love of those around you, provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.  My deepest sympathies.

Praying for all of you.

Mary

No words can express the sadness I feel at the loss of Jim and the grief I am sure will surround you for a long time.  Just know that now his struggle is over and he is at peace.  God's peace be with those of you left behind.  May your memories sustain you.

Deepest sympathy,

Julie Leisen

Ben, I am deeply sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Mary Kay Costello

Kahler Human Resources

Our sincere condolences to Jim's wife, parents, children, brothers and sisters. Jim was well-known to the JM class of 74' and will be greatly missed. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we all feel, and we can only try to understand how overwhelming this must be for you all, but please know Jim had many friends who are all extending their love to you and praying for peace to come down upon you during this difficult time. 

Love and peace to Jim......

Sue, Ben & Mike and the extended family

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim.  We have many fond hockey memories and he will be missed.  He had that contagious smile.  Our hearts and prayers are with all of you for strength for the days ahead.

Cathy & Ozzie

I'm sorry for the loss of Jim. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to Sue, Michael, Ben and the entire Alker family.  Jim will be greatly missed by many people. I will always remember Jim as the kind hearted individual that he was. May your memories of him give you some peace in this very difficult time.

Positive thoughts and prayers to all of Jim's loved ones.

Praying he is at peace with God now.  You are missed already, Jim.

I am so sorry for your loss Sue. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

May you now have peace, Jim.

Our deepest condolences to Sue, the boys and the entire Alker family. So sorry for your loss! May God give you all strength during this difficult time and as you continue to deal with the loss in the future. 

May you now have peace, Jim.

Our deepest condolences to Sue, the boys and the entire Alker family. So sorry for your loss! May God give you all strength during this difficult time and as you continue to deal with the loss in the future. 

I am so sorry to Jims family. I worked on several occasions with Jim.I have had my own struggles with depression and understand the dark places it can take a person.My heart sank to here this. Jim was a great man, he sure will be missed!

My prayers go out to you in in very difficult time..

God bless,

Todd Wilker 

I am so sorry to Jims family. I worked on several occasions with Jim.I have had my own struggles with depression and understand the dark places it can take a person.My heart sank to here this. Jim was a great man, he sure will be missed!

My prayers go out to you in in very difficult time..

God bless,

Todd Wilker 

Alks was one of the greats of the class of 74. I know he had battled personal issues as of late so I will choose to remember as the bubbly and truly nice guys I graduated with. May you rest in peace Jim.

Dear Sue, Benny, and Mike:

We were so deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We are so very sorry. You have our very deepest sympathy.

Jim was such a distinguished man and had such a pleasing personality. He was so much fun to be around and we will miss his great wit and charm.

If there is anything we can do to help, please feel free to call on me. We will be praying for you and your family.

Sue,Ben and Mike

We are so sorry for your loss. Ryan was very sad and we talked today about the many times he spent

With Jim and  Mike he really enjoyed it. Our thoughts will be with you and prayers as well

Pam and Mike