James Michael Valentine

James Michael Valentine “Mike”, passed away at home following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease on August 23, 2025.

He was born September 15, 1951 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Eugene and Anita (Venners) Valentine.

Mike grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota and graduated from high school there in the class of 1969. He received a B.S. from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and a M.S. from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. He began his career at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency where he worked in the Air Quality Division, rising to Division Director. Mike moved on to environmental consulting positions in the private sector. He gained his “best boss: when he established his own firm, Valetine & Associates. Mike lent his skills to a number of volunteer positions involved in protecting lakes and the environment.

Mike met Cindy Krumm at work.  They were married in 1979.  They made their home in Woodbury, moving later to Roseville and finally, Ramsey.  They both pursued their careers and enjoyed gardening and traveling.  Their shared passion was their home on Crow Wing Lake in Fort Ripley. Mike was a legendary waterskiier there and later served as president of the Lake Improvement District.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy; nephews, John Feldkamp and Justin Feldkamp; sisters in law, Candis Krumm and Cheryl Krumm Feldkamp; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; cousins and many friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann Marie Valentine.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Monday, September 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with visitation at 1:00 PM, at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Little Falls High School Science Programs, or the Babinski Foundation in Brainerd, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

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