Dr. James Rene Laferriere

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Jim in his home in Maple Grove, after a short battle with cancer, on December 25, 2022, at the age of 67. Jim had his wife and children by his side as he went to be with the Lord. Jim was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on October 12, 1955, to Anita and Lionel Laferriere. The third of five children, Jim enjoyed spending time with his siblings and large extended family in his hometown of Chicopee, Massachusetts. He attended St. Joan of Arc for elementary school and prestigious Cathedral High School. Jim attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN and received his degree in Chemistry in 1977. After graduating with his Medical Degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Jim completed his residency in Pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic. While working in the nursery at Methodist Hospital, Jim met the love of his life, Julie Hager. The two were married on April 14, 1984, in Elmore, Minnesota. Jim's medical practice took he and Julie to Iowa for a few years before moving back north to Minnesota to start their family. In August 1990, Jim and Julie had their first daughter Elizabeth. Almost three years later, in June 1993, their second daughter Nicole was born. Jim was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He and Julie enjoyed planning family road trips around the country, gardening with the girls, hiking on the North Shore each summer, and attending the State Fair on the first day every year. Jim was always up for a good time and had a witty sense of humor. Jim had a long career as a pediatrician, practicing for over 40 years. After moving back to Minnesota, in June 1990, Jim started working at Coon Rapids Medical Center, which became Allina Champlin Medical Center. Jim spent 25 years at that clinic treating hundreds of patients through the years. After leaving his practice at Allina, Jim went on to work for a number of Native American tribes - the Navajo in Arizona, the Choctaw in Oklahoma, and the Oglala Sioux in South Dakota. He enjoyed serving these communities, providing the best possible care. Jim was a voracious reader of anything with words - books, magazines, plaques at museums. His favorite subject was history, but he enjoyed learning about almost everything. His extensive knowledge made him a walking encyclopedia, though he always stayed humble. A lesser-known fact about Jim is that he was an avid gamer. He enjoyed playing role playing games, helping to test out the original Dungeons and Dragons with Dave Arneson and David Wesley. He was one of the original wizards. He also enjoyed playing simulation games on his PC. He passed down this love to both of his daughters. Jim was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger. Jim is survived by his sister Therese (Don) Blood and brothers Larry (Diane) and Lee (Kate) Laferriere; his wife and two daughters; and other family and friends.

Tributes

Dr. James Rene Laferriere

October 12, 1955 - December 25, 2022

Tributes

Dr. James Rene Laferriere

October 12, 1955 - December 25, 2022

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