James R. Coykendall

Age 75, of Big Lake.  Passed away peacefully at his home on September 6, 2023.

Jim was born to Clint and Winona (Kriedeman) in Alexandria, MN. He spent most of his growing up and adult years in the Minneapolis and Big Lake area, spending a significant amount of time at an Osakis family lake cabin.  His career was full of a variety of sales positions, ending with his ownership of Budget Lighting in Minnetonka. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, riding his motorcycle, landscaping and cultivating fruit trees on his property, bird watching, and spending time with his family and friends, particularly his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.  He was known for his sense of humor and sarcasm, being a great neighbor and friend, and being a fixer of many mechanical things.  He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Chuck Coykendall; sister, Jeanne Mitchell.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Kara (Mark) Widman; son, Jess (Julie) Coykendall; grandchildren, Kelsey, Josh, Emily (Tyler), Zach, Gray, and Cooper; sister, Carolyn (Fred) Streif; brother, Dan Coykendall; sister-in-law, Rose Coykendall; brother-in-law, Bruce Mitchell; other family and friends.

 A gathering to remember Jim and send him off will be on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Jim’s house, 24023 – 181st Street NW, Big Lake, with visitation at 12:00, a service at 1:00 and refreshments to follow.

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