James Edward Fox

James Edward Fox “Jim”, age 72, long time resident of Nevis, Minnesota passed away April 15, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Gwen, his son Steven (Paula) Cree, grandsons, Steven and Michael, and two nieces, Jamie and Jenny. Jim was born on March 29, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa to Woodrow and Ida (Vestine) Fox.  It was in Des Moines that Jim attended public schools graduating from North High School in 1963.  Jim had one brother, Joseph.  Joe and Jim were inseparable; they loved to hunt and fish together. Following his graduation, he went on to attend Grandview College in Des Moines.  As a young man, Jim gained employment working for the Speas Corporation in their warehouse.  Later he worked for Meredith Publications in Des Moines as an assistant pressman.  In 1965 Jim began a career in plumbing that spanned twenty years.  He began as an apprentice and worked his way up to become a fully licensed plumber working for local Union #33 in Des Moines.   In 1985 Jim was injured in a construction accident where his back was broken in three places and both his heels were crushed.  In 1986 Jim changed careers and became a cadd operator for a construction company.  Jim was united in marriage in 1988 to Nancy Cree in an outdoor ceremony in Des Moines, IA.  In 1989 Jim earned his real estate license and sold residential property throughout the greater Des Moines area. Jim and Nancy owned and operated Annie’s Attic in just outside of DesMoines for several years.  Jim and Nancy moved to the Nevis, MN area in 1992 where together with Steve they built a lake home.  In October 1994 they both entered full-time retirement which they enjoyed together until Nancy lost her battle with cancer in 2006.  Jim had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and sports shooting.  In the late 1980’s Jim and his son operated a stain glass shop where they specialized in windows and hanging lamps. Jim was lifetime member of the NRA.  Jim was recognized as a Volunteer Sheriff for Lake Patrol of Third Crow Wing Lake, he also served as Treasurer for Crow Wing Lake County for a number of years. Jim was a wonderful soul and would put everybody before himself.  He loved to fish and hunt.  He was a plumber by trade but a master of all tasks.  He loved science and had a true love for nature.  He loved knowledge and he shared his knowledge and talents with his son and grandsons.  He will truly be missed by his family and the residents of his community. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy, and his brother, Joseph who died in 1998.