James Andrew Moe

James Andrew Moe was born June 30th, 1927 to Eleanora and Henry Moe at home in Chanhassen Township. He had five siblings, his identical twin brother Edward, brothers Donald and Russell; sisters Shirley and Ann. Later on the family moved to Minnetonka Manor where the boys helped their father build their family home. The twins also worked with their father in his business building boats, canoes and bobbers for income amongst other things.  James attended Deephaven High School and graduated from there. James and Nancy dated and then were married on August 12th, 1950. Shortly after getting married James was drafted into the military and Nancy accompanied him to Camp Atterbury, Indiana. James worked as a Medic in the field and Army Hospital during his two years of active duty. In late August of 1952 James was honorably discharged from active duty and served another two years in the Army Reserves at which time they moved back to Minnesota and lived in Minnetonka Manor. James worked for Bershay and Richter a produce shipping company while living in Minnetonka Manor. In October of 1968 the family moved north to Willow River, Minnesota.

James and Nancy had five children, Susan, Pamela, Janine, James Jr and John. Once the family got settled in their new home James started planting vegetable gardens, bought some young pigs, chickens and a few calves and raised them for food. Sometimes he would have so many pigs and chickens that he would sell them. The family participated in processing their own meat and vegetables. James loved to play cribbage, bowl, play horse shoes, coon hunt, fishing, trapping; playing his accordion, button box, piano accordion, concertina and harmonicas. James loved to go to town and have a cup of coffee in the restaurants and visit with people. James loved to put in and care for his vegetable gardens and animals. The family also cut and stacked wood each fall/winter to heat their home. James worked as a Cement Mason for many years. He worked for a number of big companies like Johnson Brothers, and Arcon, he also did private jobs on the side. James took great pride in his cement work and everything was always right on. When contractors wanted nothing but the best of the best of cement masons they would call for James. James also built docks and boat landings, installed boat canopies, etc for regular customers in the Lake Minnetonka area and James also did some tree service work. James was a hard and dedicated worker. James was always willing to help someone out, he loved to share the vegetables from his garden, James enjoyed bringing freshly caught filleted fried fish to people, shared his beef and pork with others after butchering and often played music for friends when they had family reunions, etc. James would always attend and participate in the Moose Lake City Park Jam Session that lasted around 4 days every August. James really looked forward to the Jam Session each year.James also played music for the residents at the nursing home quite often. James always enjoyed company and welcomed all into the family home.

James was loved by many.

James is survived by his children: Susan (Duane) Olson, Pam Gossman, Janine (Robert) Kost, James Jr (Karen) Moe, and John Moe/fiance’ Kim Yock: 18 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. James is also survived by his two sisters Shirley (Jay) Gregg and Ann (Dino) Tumbuan.

James was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Jean Moe, parents Eleanora and Henry Moe, Identical twin Edward, brothers Donald and Russell, grandsons, Jesse Kenowski, Wyatt Kenowski, great grandson Luke Koecher and great granddaughter Alana Olson.

A memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM with a gathering of friends and family at 1:00 PM at the Church of Victory, Askov, Minnesota.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are by Souder-Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service, Cloquet, Minnesota. 

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