James "Jim" Knutson

James "Jim" F. Knutson, age 80, of Willmar, passed away Saturday morning, September 25, at his residence.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 15, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are by Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Jim Knutson was born on July 11, 1941, in Brooten, Minnesota, the son of Melvin and Miranda (Ruud) Knutson.  He grew up and received his education in the Brooten-Belgrade community.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served stateside driving supply trucks during the Viet Nam War.  Following his service, Jim moved to Willmar and continued driving truck in civilian life for Nelson International and then owned his own trucking operation.  On February 24, 1978, he was married to Patricia Johnson and they made their home Willmar.  In 1999, Jim began working for Duininck Inc and then Stai Trucking in road construction, retiring in 2015.   He enjoyed hunting, fishing and socializing with his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Aaron Knutson (and fiance, Becky Le Bon) of Willmar and Serena (and Jeff) McCartney of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Savana, Kalee, Evan, Brooklyn and Jada; two stepsons, Mitch Gort of Willmar and Josh Gort (and fiance, Sara Ritterspach) of Minneapolis; two sisters, Shirley Hoff of Minneapolis and Darlene Knutson of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Verna Knutson of Minneapolis; and his beloved canine companions, Kita and Riddick, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia in 2018; one son in infancy; two brothers, Elmo and Kenny and one sister, Ardis.