James "Jim" Albert Williamson

James "Jim" Albert Williamson passed away on December 31, 2024, at his home in Bemidji. He was born September 8, 1939, to Lois and Tom Williamson in Hutchinson, MN.

Jim spent his early years in Burbank CA. The family moved to Brownton, MN, where Jim attended high school, and where he joined the Naval Reserve.

Attending MN State University-Mankato, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in speech. He supported himself as a hospital orderly while attending college. After Mankato, Jim went on to earn his master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University. Jim's degrees allowed him to apply for a direct officer commission in the Army and Navy. The Army responded first, and Jim was assigned to Fort Sam, Houston, TX, as part of the Medical Service Corps. Taking a Medical Evacuation Course, led him to flight school before his first tour in Vietnam, in 1966 where he served as a Medevac Helicopter Pilot. Jim was a member of the “Dust off Group”.

On June 1st, 1968, Jim married Sandra Vanderkooi. Jim, Sandy, and their family of 3 children moved to various places, including England and Germany, where Jim served as an Army Colonel. They later moved to Florida and California.

Jim took his family on adventures such as hunting, camping, and fishing trips. After retiring from the Army in 1993, as a highly decorated Colonel, Jim had a master’s degree in business administration, his last job was as the administrator for the Nursing Home in Red Lake, MN. 

After retiring from the Red Lake Nursing Home in 2010, Jim flew for the C.A.P. in Walker. He enjoyed family and friends, and was involved in church activities, DAV, American Legion, and the VFW. He and Sandy traveled to warmer climates of Arizona and Mexico during the winter. 

After Sandy's passing in 2019, Jim was introduced to Petra DeKrey. They were also able to travel together for winters. Petra became Jim's wife in November 2023. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Petra; children, James (Janice) Williamson of Bemidji and granddaughter Kaelyn DeBord of Dale, TX; JenniferAnn (Floyd) Sutter of Cambridge MN; Tom (Heather) Williamson of Bemidji, and their sons Landon, Treven, Bently; and sister-In-Law, Debbie Cornwell of TX. 

Jim is preceded in death by first wife, Sandy (Vanderkooi) Williamson; parents, Tom and Lois Williamson; sisters, Elizabeth, Janice Carol, and Judy.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be on June 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Bemidji, MN, with a one-hour visitation prior to. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji following his service.

Jim’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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