Richard A. James

Richard Allen James (Dick) of Wayzata passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Chicago, he was the only child of Albert and Evelyn James. A man of deep faith, Dick loved and cherished his family and friends as his greatest legacy. Dick spent most of his life in Minneapolis and Wayzata. He attended Saint Thomas Academy and graduated from Breck School in 1949. A natural salesman who loved people, Dick worked for Great West Life Insurance, Kaiser Aluminum, as an independent manufacturer’s representative, and eventually as a Vice President of Employee Benefits. 

After serving in Korea, Dick married Peggy Reed in 1955. Together, they raised seven children who remain close-knit and reside in the Twin Cities.

Dick’s love for golf was unmatched. At 17, he competed in the State Amateur Tournament and qualified for the National Amateur in Washington, D.C. A highlight was playing in the 1959 Trans-Mississippi Tournament the same match as his idol, Jack Nicklaus. Though he considered turning pro, he chose to focus on family. It seemed Dick could recount every hole he ever played and cherished all the friendships he made on the course. He played for the Tuesday Twi-Lite Orono Golf League, the oldest league in Minnesota. In 2023, the league created the Dick James Trophy, awarded annually to the member demonstrating the most integrity and loyalty to the game.

Fishing was his second great love. Whether ice fishing with friends, casting from a dock, or fishing under moonlight, Dick found joy and peace on the water. His 90th birthday was celebrated with a surprise fish fry on the ice. He loved spending time in Grand Marais, Minnesota, fishing with dear friends Noble and Bonnie Carlson, enjoying home-cooked meals, and sharing stories. His favorite meal was a shore lunch cooked over an open flame.

In retirement, Dick embraced cooking and became known for his baked goods, especially his Christmas cookies and famous scones. He loved sharing his creations with family, friends, and neighbors. A nature lover, he enjoyed feeding birds and had a deep love for music, especially oldies. Dick sang in a local barbershop quartet, the Merry Men, for several years.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Dick had the gift of gab and delighted in storytelling. A devout Catholic, he was a member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Saint Paul. He never missed mass or his cherished coffee lunches with his Aggie friends.

Dick is survived by his wife of 69 years, Peggy; children, Richard Jr. (Sue Ramier), Bill, Cathy Whiting (David), Martha James (Steve Murphy), Mike (Sandy Zezza), John (Sandy), and Mary Kenney (John); 18 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His large and extended family were his pride and joy. Each had a special relationship with him and many wonderful memories. The family thanks all who cared for Dick, especially Amara and the North Memorial Hospice team.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota or Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Saint Paul.