Cover photo for James “Jim” Brekke's Obituary
James “Jim” Brekke Profile Photo
1941 James 2014

James “Jim” Brekke

September 27, 1941 — April 13, 2014

James “Jim” Allyn Brekke succumbed to a long courageous battle with lung cancer due to Agent Orange on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Jim was born September 27, 1941 to Julius and Alma Beauchamp Brekke in Crookston, MN. Jim attended school in Hibbing, MN, before moving to Buffalo, SD, where he graduated from high school. While in Buffalo Jim worked on a ranch and became very active with the rodeos where he rode bucking broncos and bulls. He later worked in Minneapolis before he went into the service where he was stationed in Hawaii, Japan and Viet Nam. When he returned to the States he went to work on the Iron Range before moving to Minneapolis, where he graduated from Brown Institute. He started working for Northwestern Bell. Jim worked he way into management and became a lead auditor for 14 states. He continued that until he retired after 26 years.

Jim was a life member of Dilworth VFW Post 1223 where he was also the Head of the House Committee for quite some time. One of his favorite jobs was calling bingo at the VFW with his “girls.” He was also a member of the American Legion, Viet Nam Veterans, International Jaycees Senator, International Clown Club, a past President of Moorhead Youth Hockey 1982 – 1984, VP of Promotion and Publicity for Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association and a Jr. Vice Commander for District 9 before stepping down due to illness. He was a Boy Scout Leader, attended the Dale Carnegie classes, a member of Pioneers of America and although he couldn’t skate he was instrumental in getting artificial ice into Moorhead. Jim also participated in the Wounded Warriors Project and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead.

Jim enjoyed camping with Kenny and Dick, watching NASCAR with his buddy Jerry who he loved giving grief to. He enjoyed road trips with his buddy John from the VFW. He liked working with anything to do with wood. He enjoyed the mountains and going to “Uncle Fred and Aunt Gloria’s” ranch parties in Wyoming. He loved building boats, watching NASCAR races, the Twins, Vikings and especially singing Karaoke at the VFW with Brian, John, Rockin and Roger before doing it on his own. He loved telling jokes to everybody especially his great nephew Chase when he was little.

From his first marriage Jim had four sons, Scott, Tim, Troy and Joey. On July 13, 1994, after 31 years he re-united with Gail and they were married in Ten Sleep, WY. With that he also gained two daughters, Janelle and Heidi that he treated as his own.

Towards the end Jim spoke often of the time his granddaughter McKenzie took him to school for show and tell on Veterans Day and he could still wear his uniform. He found comfort in blanket that his granddaughter, Devan had knitted him. One of Jim’s wishes was to have all four of his boys together with him one last time. Thanks to his boys, his wish was granted. Jim wanted people to know how truly blessed he was for Heidi, Curt, Crystal, Jerry and Kenny for the many countless hours they spent with him. He couldn’t speak a lot in the end but just knowing they were there made him feel very special and loved. He also mentioned the many fun times doing the summer circus in the “Brekke Backyard” with his brother Joe, who was a magician, his sister who was the Ballerina and himself who was the acrobat. That was in 1955 where they did their many tricks and charges 10 cents for children and 15 cents for the adults to attend. All their proceeds went to help fight cancer. Jim also spoke of going to school with Bob Dylan and dating the same girl which he thought was quite funny. In the end when he could no longer travel he truly missed going up to Chisholm to visit his sister, Sharon and brother-in-law, Darryl and joining with brother, Mikey and sister-in-law, Carolyn and not be able to hit his spot the “VFW” to sing Karaoke on Friday nights.

Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be truly missed. During his illness he never complained and worried about everyone else instead of himself.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gail; sons, Scott, Tim, Troy and Joey Regan; daughters, Janelle Brian and Heidi; grandchildren, McKenzie, Jessie, Sumer, Kyle, Cole, Hannah, Devan, Boden, Marley and Brittany; sister, Sharon Darryl; brother, Mike Carolyn, sister-in-law, Tammy Al; brothers-in-law, Tim Heidi and Steve; father-in-law, Warren; uncle Fred and aunt Gloria; nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother, Joe.

A special thank you to Father Larry, Dr. Russell and the Oncology Nurses at the VA in Fargo, and his nurse Katherine and Hospice of the Red River Valley for all their compassion, care and visits during Jim’s long illness.

Visitation: Tuesday, April 22, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., with prayer service at 6:30, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

Funeral: Wednesday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m., in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing, MN.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James “Jim” Brekke, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, April 22, 2023

4:30 - 6:30 pm (Central time)

Wright Funeral Home - Moorhead

605 2nd Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560

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Service

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

218 South 10th St, Moorhead, MN 56560

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Cemetery

Maple Hill Cemetery

MN

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