Plymouth, MN - James Kenneth "Jim" Severud, affectionately known to many as Jim, Jimmy, "Papa," or "Tool," passed away peacefully at his home on Bass Lake in Plymouth, Minnesota, on July 8, 2026, at 4:15 a.m., at the age of 80. He was surrounded by the love of his family: his devoted wife, Michelle, and Missy, Billy, Pat and Trisha.

Jim was born on October 17, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Kenneth Tyrol Severud and Helen Sigrid (Ingvaldson) Severud. He graduated from Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota, where he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi.

Jim honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Although these honors reflected remarkable courage and sacrifice, he rarely spoke about his service, choosing instead to live a life defined by humility, kindness, and quiet strength.

On October 17, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Michelle, on his 25th birthday. Together they built a family centered on love, patience, and unwavering support for one another. Professionally, Jim pursued several successful business ventures throughout his career and, for many years, also operated the Troon Golf Learning Center in Savage, Minnesota. Golf was one of his lifelong passions, and he found great joy in sharing the game with others. His red convertible could often be seen at Bent Creek Golf Club where he loved to golf with his buddies.

Above all else, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Michelle; his children, Melissa (Timothy) Stelmach, William (Lisa Raetz) Severud, and Patrick (Trisha) Severud; and his treasured grandchildren, Kaili Michelle Severud, Phoebe James Stelmach, Norah Jane Stelmach, Weston George Severud, Charles Raetz Severud, and Oliver James Severud. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Jean) Severud, and his godchildren, Kevin Fallon, Daniel Olson, and Robin Severud, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen Severud; his brother, Peter Severud; and his sister, Susan Severud.

Jim's greatest accomplishment was the way he lived. He was a calm and steady presence in the lives of everyone around him. His patience was so extraordinary that one of his friends once described him as a biblical character—not because of religion, but because of the quiet grace with which he lived. He listened without interrupting, offered advice without criticism, and treated every person with dignity and respect. Michelle often said that Jim never judged anyone, and those who knew him would say the same. In a world that can be quick to criticize, Jim chose compassion.

Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren. Whether watching them grow, cheering them on, or simply being together, they were among the greatest joys of his life. His family will remember his gentle wisdom, his reassuring presence, his love of golf, and the countless ways he made those around him feel accepted, valued, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Sundance Country Club in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the ALS Foundation in Jim's honor.

Jim's legacy is not measured by the honors he received or the work he accomplished, but by the lives he quietly shaped through patience, humility, and unconditional love. Those who knew him were better for having known him.