James Henry Harwig, 53, beloved husband, brother, uncle, stepfather and grandfather, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2014.
He was born on December 9, 1960 in Pine County, Minnesota to Gloria and Henry Harwig, and coming home to three older sisters who quickly surrounded him with love. His youth was spent on their farm in Pine City where he developed his lifelong love of family and nature.
Jim graduated from Pine City High School and attended Macalester College in Minneapolis. His career was spent in the hospitality industry, working in various restaurants as a chef and manager.
Jim was a confirmed bachelor until he met the love of his life, Holly Altermatt, and moved to the home of his heart, Grand Marais. He reveled in his ready-built family with his three stepchildren and four grandsons.
James loved to travel, going to China, India, Thailand, Turkey and Mexico as well as all over the USA. His passions were wildlife and birding, reading and political debate. He found great support in the community of Grand Marais and always said he would never leave the area.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and Henry Harwig, and his sister Ruth Harwig Erickson and his beloved dogs Chloe and Sputnik.
Left behind to mourn are his wife, Holly Harwig; sisters and brothersin law, Gloria Jean and Fred Blume, Kathryn Harwig and Loren Magsam; his nephew, Mark Erickson and niece Erin Erickson (Juan) Angelats; his greatnieces Gisela, Elin and Karolina Ruth Angelats; stepchildren Madeline, Heather (Justin) McCollum and Matthew (Clover) Anderson; and grandsons Everett, Xavier and Sullivan Anderson and Liam McCollum.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 11 at the First Congregational Church, 300 W. 2nd St., Grand Marais, MN 55604.
Memorials to the family in lieu of flowers, please.
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