James R. Tallman

James Roger Tallman “JT” 56, of Elk River, passed away June 8th in Elk River. Jim will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 27 years, Louisa; mother Beth Tallman; father and mother in-law Robert A. and Adele Unzen; sisters Leslie Lang; sister Jeanne Borgstrom (Phil Limerick) ;  brother Ronald (Shelley Tallman); Brother in-law John Unzen (Joanne); sister in-law Susan Whiting (Charles); nieces and nephews, Jennifer Borgstrom, Kristine Borgstrom, Jessica Tallman, Robert J Unzen (Brandi), Michael Unzen (Kortnie), Chuck Unzen, and Maggie Unzen. His beloved fur family. He is preceded in death by his father, Roger Jeff Tallman.

Jim went to U of M Duluth and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus where he majored in biology and psychology. Shortly afterwards, he decided he wanted to be a paramedic. He graduated from Wadena Technical College in St. Cloud in 1991. He and Louisa met in Duluth in 1985 and married in Duluth February 15, 1992. They lived in Wayzata where he was a member of the Wayzata Fire Department until moving into the Elk River area in 1994. Jim worked for Mercy/Mergen which later merged into Gold Cross Ambulance in the St Cloud and Litchfield area for many years and 5 years with Monticello Big Lake Ambulance. He spent the last 19 years working as a paramedic for North Memorial Health in the Princeton region.  Being a paramedic and helping his fellow man were a deep calling and integral part of him. He strongly believed it was an honor if he could help someone on possibly the worst days of their lives.

Jim loved nature, whether maintaining his many bird feeders, bird houses, celestial observing, or hunting for rocks everywhere he went. Snowmobiling trips and fishing in Canada with the guys were cherished annual events.  He loved spending time at dear friend’s cabin boating, snowmobiling and 4th of July fireworks. Many years around a friend’s pool with so many special people with Jim canon balling in and playing with every kid which likely involved a Super Soaker. Winter vacations in Jamaica with Louisa were special times; he loved floating in the ocean while flying kites. Jim’s sense of humor, sharp wit and his ability to put someone at ease served he and his many patients. Jim lit up a room chatting with everyone young and old. His kind, gentle and compassionate  spirit was felt by all who knew or met him. 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held 11 am with visitation at 10 AM, June 14th at Immanuel Lutheran Church 401 8th Ave S., Princeton, 55371. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Special thanks to his EMS family, Chaplain Steve Carlson, and so many dear friends and family.  Arr. Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

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