James Lawrence Marshall

St. Louis Park - Marshall, Jim James Lawrence Marshall, known to all as Jim, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 87, after a lengthy hospital stay, with his wife Susan by his side. Jim was a legendary football player and a beloved husband, brother, father, and friend. He was a man of many stories, a curious mind, and an energy that was truly infectious. Born on December 30, 1937, at his grandparents' house in the small town of Wilsonville, Kentucky, Jim's family moved to Columbus, Ohio, when he was a young boy. His athletic journey began at East High School in Columbus. He became an All-American at Ohio State University in both track and football. After a brief stint in the CFL, he played for the Cleveland Browns in 1960 and was traded to the newly franchised Minnesota Vikings just before their first NFL game. He quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise and a founding member of the legendary "Purple People Eaters" defensive line - respected not only for his performance on the field but for his leadership. To this day, he is still called Captain Jim. He was the last original Minnesota Viking to retire, after playing in Minnesota for 19 years. Though football brought him to Minnesota, Jim made it his home, planting deep roots in the Twin Cities and spending over six decades making a difference in the community. He gave his time and heart to many causes and people. That commitment is best exemplified by the founding, in 1991, along with his teammate Oscar Reed, of The Link - a nonprofit still serving youth almost 35 years later in North Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Jim is survived by his wife, Susan Landwehr Marshall, and by a wide circle of family and loved ones who adored him and whom he held dear. His cherished sister, Deloris (Dalton) Bosley, stood by him always. He loved his daughters Angie Marshall and Jimi (Brent) Belanger; his grandchildren Miycol (Kaiser) Jones, Madison Belanger, Marshall Belanger, and Major Belanger; and his great-grandchildren Kayla Jones and Mariah Jones. The Landwehr family became his large extended family as well. Jim's life was greatly blessed by the wonderful caregivers who supported him at home in recent years. The family is especially grateful to Clare, Emily, Hiba, Izzy, Katie, Sammy, and Sue for their dedication to enriching his life. A celebration of Jim's life will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, friends and fans who wish to honor his dedication to the community are invited to make donations to The Link (www.thelinkmn.org) or the Minnesota Vikings Foundation (www.vikings.com). He was a true Minnesota treasure, who belonged to everyone, and his presence will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Captain. www.washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

James Lawrence Marshall

December 30, 1937 - June 3, 2025

Tributes

James Lawrence Marshall

December 30, 1937 - June 3, 2025

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