James George Lethert

James George Lethert, age 81, passed away on January 20, 2025, surrounded in love by his family. He was born to George and Katherine Lethert on April 23, 1943 in Saint Paul, MN, the second of four children. As a child he went to Saint Mark's Grade School, then attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School where he participated in the Crack Drill Squad for four years, of which he was quite proud. He then attended the University of Saint Thomas, after which he attended William Mitchell College of Law. During this period, law school occurred at night, so Jim worked during the day at the State of Minnesota Inheritance Tax Department in downtown Saint Paul. It was here that he met his wife, Anne, who was serving as the secretary of the director, and they both continued to work there for four years. Afterwards, Jim graduated from law school and proceeded to open his own law practice with a classmate of his. Anne decided to send Jim a congratulatory card on passing the bar exam, which excited Jim and led to him pursuing her. The rest is history... Jim and Anne were married on May 14, 1971. The following year they started what would be a large and beautiful family with their first of five children. As he entered what would be one of the greatest passions of his life, fatherhood, Jim decided to relinquish the demand of building a law practice and began a career at Norwest Bank. Eventually he took on a new venture at US Bank in their Private Clients division, where he stayed until his eventual retirement. However, he always loved and continued to practice law, doing estate planning and setting up trusts for the numerous people who were lucky enough to be a part of his life, including preparing their tax returns which was a passion of his. Additionally, he did public speaking for the State of Minnesota, and he taught courses at Hamline University as well. Jim also really loved working with his hands, it was a primary stress reliever for him. Of the countless projects he took on, he was most proud of the 1,200 sq. ft., two story addition he added to his own home...all done without disturbing the flow and attention given to his most cherished treasure: his wife and children. The paramount importance Jim placed on his family cannot be overstated. The love he had for his bride and five children was his strongest and most endearing trait. Surviving him are his wife of 53 years, Anne; his daughters, Michelle Lethert and Suzanne (Shane) Wilson; sons, Daniel (Sara), Joseph (Heather), and Andrew (LaTanya); his 15 grandchildren, AJ, Kalani and Haydan; Alex and Colton; Kayla, Jackson and Noah; Isabelle, Elliot and Estelle; Christopher, Amelia, Georgia and Charlotte. He always lit up like a light bulb whenever he was with his children and their families. Also surviving him are brothers, Stephen (Charla) and Mark. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Lynn Dukelow. Equally important to his wife and children was Anne's sister, Virginia Bender. Jim and Virginia collaborated in many ways, whether it came to working on projects at home or up at the lake in the summer. And when the work was done, it was on to playing cards or watching movies together. She was a loving sister-in-law who was always there for him and played a very big role in guiding him through his journey with Parkinson's. However it was Anne who provided his day-to-day loving care that enabled him to stay at home allowing him to be present to his family to the end. Jim also loved traveling with his family and did plenty of it. There were several RV trips across the country, multiple trips to Hawaii, and summers spent at both Little Sandy Lake and Pelican Lake. As an avid water skier, he always loved telling people his claim-to-fame was being able to ski on one ski at the young age of 75. During these trips, and always, he gifted endless stories and words of wisdom, enough for one to tell for a lifetime. Another part of Jim's foundation was his faith. He credited most to Saint Odilia; just as the church was finished being built, he attended with his parents, and soon after he was married he began attending there with his family for the next 50+ years. At just the right time, the pastor, Fr. Charlie asked Jim to create an Endowment Fund, which he did and continued to work, grow, and educate others on for the next 26 years. He often spoke at mass, explaining and teaching parishioners to further the understanding of its importance and value. Because of his unwavering love of God, Jim turned to Him often. This surrendering to Him and his teachings led to him never complaining or feeling anger towards the terrible disease that took him from us. He has taught so many people through his example and infectiousness, and his never ending smile. Let it be said: if you were fortunate to have ever met Jim Lethert, your life was truly never the same. He touched countless people in his life. He made a difference wherever he went, and with whomever he was with. He is home now, but he will always be missed, he will always be remembered, and he will never be forgotten. With all our love, His Family A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 11:00AM (visitation begins at 10:00AM) at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Link to Lethert live stream: https://youtube.com/live/OWhU-QGxzh0?feature=share Memorials preferred to the St. Odilia Endowment Fund or to the family.

Tributes

James George Lethert

April 23, 1943 - January 20, 2025

Tributes

James George Lethert

April 23, 1943 - January 20, 2025

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