James Conway

James Walter "Jim" Conway, age 77, of Willmar, died Saturday afternoon, June 23, at Rice Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 26, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.
Jim was born on September 15, 1929, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Olive (Nelson) Conway. He grew up in the Willmar community, was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church and graduated from Willmar High School in 1948. He served in the U.S Army in Fort Lewis, Washington and continued in the Army Reserves for eight years. Following his discharge, Jim remained in Seattle and received training as a telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad. On November 19, 1955, he was married to Shirley M. Struck and they made their home in Willmar where Jim was employed by the Great Northern Railroad and later Burlington Northern Railroad as a train dispatcher and clerk. He retired in 1991.
Jim was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks and the D.F.L. Party where he served as a past Treasurer. He was also a charter member of the Willmar Hockey Association.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Willmar; three children, Julie Conway of Santa Cruz, CA., Steve (and Diane) Conway of Anchorage, AK., and John (and Ashley) Conway of Santa Cruz, CA; and five grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Patricia Wilson of Everett, WA., and Jean (and Ron) Fladeboe of Longville, MN., besides other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Daniel in 1991.