James Arnold Slaikeu of Mora, MN passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, after a battle with COVID.  He passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by his wife and children.  He was 87 years old.

Jim was born on July 31, 1934, in Goldfield, Iowa.  After graduating high school, he enrolled in Machinists Mates School at the Great Lakes Navy Base.  After graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Upon completing his tour in the Navy, he returned to Iowa, residing near Eagle Grove, IA.  It is there that he met Jeanette Henry, who he would marry on December 26, 1958.  They resided in Iowa, raising their five children, until they moved to Mora, MN in 1974.  He worked in several sales and self-employed positions over the years until he retired in 1992.

In addition to hunting and fishing, his main 'hobby' was volunteering.  He volunteered his time for years with the First Presbyterian Church of Mora, Mora Food Pantry, One More time, Seven County Senior Federation, Kanabec County Sheriff's Dept. Reserves, Eastern Star, the Masonic Lodge in Mora and the American Legion.  He was also quick to volunteer his time to any friend in need and he was never short on a good joke.  He always had smile on his face and he had a way of being a day brightener.  The world was a better place with him here than it is without him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Alta Slaikeu, and his brother, Duane Slaikeu.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanette; brothers Roger and Perry; children Joe (Mary), Jon (Peg), Jan Bakke (Lorin), Jim (Rachelle) and Judy Armstrong (Doug); and grandchildren Christopher Slaikeu, Lisa Slaikeu, Nick Bakke (Emma), Rachel Bakke (Alexis), Andrew Slaikeu, Hannah Slaikeu, Levi Armstrong and Kyle Armstrong.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church in Mora with Dr. Gus Schill officiating.  Visitation will be on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 6 until 8 P.M. at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home in Mora, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.  Masonic Services led by the Mora Masonic Lodge will be held at 8 P.M. on Monday evening at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors being provided by the Mora American Legion.