James Brandborg

James (Jim) Brandborg beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, age 77 of Perham passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughters after enduring courageous battles with dementia and multiple health issues.

Jim was born on July 16, 1948 in Bertha, MN to Ralph and Patricia (Coykendall) Brandborg of Clarissa, MN. Jim and his older brother, John "Jack", grew up working on the family farm alongside their father. It wasn't all work though, as there are many family stories about the shenanigans the boys were involved in along with their cousins and the neighbor kids. After graduating from Clarissa Senior High in 1966, Jim attended Staples Vo-Tech for Heavy Equipment Operation. Later in life Jim received his Associate Arts Degree in the field of Computer Science from Alexandria Technical College.

In 1972 Jim married Cindy James from Eagle Bend and adopted her infant daughter, Sandy. Together they had a son, Michael. In 1983 Jim was united in marriage to Nancy Kohel, a special education teacher from Grand Rapids employed by Wadena-Deer Creek School District #2155. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Amy and Kelly. Jim made his family his number one priority and cherished the time he was able to spend with all his girls.

Hardworking, trustworthy, loyal, shows up for work, good guy, humorous are some of the words used by employers and coworkers to describe Jim. Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, Jim was both a local and long-haul truck driver. Jim served the towns of Clarissa, MN and Lemon, SD before accepting the Chief of Police position in Henning, MN. He held this position for 27 years until his retirement in 1998. Jim also was an EMT for the Henning Ambulance for 23 years. After retirement, Jim enjoyed working for Crop Production Services/Professional Agronomy Services and Z Transportation. Jim looked forward to each fall to go harvesting sugar beets for two weeks with his good friend, Duane.

Jim loved the Lord and his faith never waived even in his final moments. He was at peace. Jim was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Henning and New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Patricia; his brother, John "Jack"; infant great grandson Nagweyaab Migizii Medicine; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Nancy; his children, Sandy (Allen) Hardy of Bemidji, MN, Michael Brandborg of Bemidji, MN, Amy Brandborg of Henning, MN and Kelly (Collin) Loerzel of New York Mills, MN; along with grandchildren, Andrew Colen, Christopher (Isabel), Johnathon (Mikki), Taylor and Bailey; and great grandchildren, Ayana and Xeya.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at New Creation Lutheran Church in Perham, MN on September 14, 2025. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration Service at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship to follow after the service.

In honor of Jim and his dedication to being a Police Officer, the family requests that those who are willing and able to wear blue.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com