James Hand

James Paul Hand, age 79 of Maple Grove, MN, passed away on February 13, 2017, surrounded by family.

Jim was born on July 12, 1937, and grew up in Faribault, MN. He attended the College of St. Thomas, where he also earned his M.B.A. During this time he met and married his love, Mary Helen (Klick) Hand.

Jim lived his life by several guiding principles, love of God and family, and hard work. He was an involved dad, coaching and supporting all four kids in just about every sport available. Summer weekends were spent boating, or pulling the kids as they went waterskiing or tubing. Jim enjoyed traveling with family, whether it was family camping trips all across the U.S., or traveling abroad with Mary. He was a huge MN sports fan – he loved watching the Twins, Vikings, Wild and Gophers. Jim was also a constant fixture at his grandchildren’s activities, whether it was football, baseball, hockey, soccer, dance, gymnastics, choir or band. He was the everyday handyman. He always seemed to be working on a project, whether it was finishing a basement, working on the cabin, helping paint or finish the kids’ homes, or participating in Habitat for Humanity through church.

Jim enjoyed being a member of the St. Joseph the Worker K of C Council #1335. He was especially happy to have been able to celebrate his 50th Wedding Anniversary with Mary last June, surrounded by family. He exemplified strength of character until the end.

Jim is preceded in death by parents Kermit and Irene Grosser Hand and sister-in-law Carol Buiva.

He is survived by loving wife Mary; son Michael (Roxanne) Hand; daughters Kathleen (Mike) Reeves & Patricia (John) Awsumb; son Richard (Stacey) Hand; grandchildren Steven, Nicholas, Tyler, Colleen, Caitlyn, Hannah, Zachary, Alayna & Cooper; brother-in-law Uldis Buiva and nieces Jennifer and Jodi.

Memorial preferred to the Haiti Mission Project at St. Joseph the Worker.

Visitation one hour prior to service.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 11:00 AM

The Church of St. Joseph the Worker 7180 Hemlock Lane North Maple Grove, MN 55369

Visitation one hour prior to service.