James Albert Sable

85, of Maple Grove, passed away surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer on September 22. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al & Marguerite Sable, and his brother Jack. Jim was born in Minneapolis, graduating from North High School in 1956.

While working at the Minneapolis Star Tribune he attended the U of MN. After receiving his associates in arts degree in 1958, he joined the Marine Corps in 1960 and served on active duty and in the reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1966. Meeting Sharon (Gladwin) at the Star Tribune they were married July 2, 1966. In 1971 he began attending the MN Metropolitan State University, graduating in its first graduation class of 12 in 1973. After 22 years working in the Star Tribune advertising department Jim joined the new owners of the MN Suburban Newspapers as Advertising Director. In 1984, Jim and Sharon formed Sable Advertising Systems – an advertising/marketing agency specializing in co-op advertising. In 1999 they thought it was time to retire and sold the company.

Jim always enjoyed trapshooting and soon after retiring realized participation in the sport, along with memberships at shooting ranges, was declining. The sport needed younger members. Through determination and foresight, and the support of hundreds of volunteer trapshooters, Jim went to high schools and school boards to present a new activity that would allow students, who have their firearm safety certificate, to participate on a school trapshooting team. In 2008 the nonprofit MN State High School Clay Target League was created. Because of its dedicated staff and volunteers, enthusiastic participants, and growth in other states, this activity is now called the USA Clay Target League and is offered to public and private schools, homeschools, and colleges across the country.

The Star Tribune named Jim one of the 15 most influential people of 2019. Outdoor News named Jim a Person of the Year in 2019 for his dedication to conservation.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family and spending time together – especially at the cabin. He was a loving husband and is survived by wife Sharon, proud father to Mike (Melissa), Pamela (Dan Patnode), and Jenny (Christian Foss). Exceptional grandfather to Jeff (Chelsea), Claire (Cody), Kristen (Raul), Dylan, Joey, Katie, Grace, and Andrew, step grandfather to Caden & Alex. Adoring great grandfather to Sadie, Leo, Alora, and Ava.

Jim had a strong faith and cared about people. He was a great friend to many, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, mentor, sportsman, businessman, and storyteller.

Visitation from 9:30-11:00 AM on Monday, October 7 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 Co. Rd 24, Wayzata. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the USA Clay Target League Jim Sable Environment & Conservation Education Scholarship, 990 Lone Oak Rd, Eagan, MN 55121 or Ascension Catholic School Scholarship, 1723 Bryant Ave N., Mpls. 55411.