James "Jim" Andrew Brekke

January 4, 1944 - January 11, 2022

On January 11, 2022, James Andrew Brekke, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 78, in his home surrounded by family; he will be missed. James, or Jim, was born on January 4, 1944, in Tamarack, Minnesota, to Oscar and Lydia (Franklin) Brekke. He and his wife were married for 47 years and throughout those years, they made many of their dreams come true. Other than the pride Jim felt for his sons, Jeffrey and Michael, and the love for his wife, Susan, one of Jim’s greatest accomplishments was becoming a pilot. Jim’s fascination with flight began when he was a boy, and in 2004 he retired as a Captain for Delta airlines. Jim was known for his subtle kindness and generosity; maybe that is because he knew what it was like to have so little. Born in a small farmhouse in the woods, he lost his parents in his adolescence, and was raised by his siblings, Dr. Grace Guemple, Vickie Struve, and his brothers Bob, Captain Carl, and Delbert Brekke. During these formative years, he became adaptable and resourceful. Jim was a skilled huntsman and an expert on all things outdoors. His love of nature took him all over the country, Alaska being one of his favorite spots. Jim honorably served in the United States Army as a military police officer and center snapper for the football team. Beyond his affinity for aviation, he had a passion for economics and real estate. One of his favorite sayings was “Leave a little on the table for the next guy.” The family is forever in debt to his neighbors, family, and friends for all of their help in recent years. We could not have done it without you. Although Jim died of complications from Parkinson’s, and his last years were filled with trials due to the disease, his family chooses to remember how hard he fought to stay himself; they will remember him as an inspiration. Jim has chosen to be cremated and the Brekke family will hold two celebrations of life in his honor in the year of 2022; one in Salt Lake City, Utah where he and his wife currently reside, and one in Minnesota, his home state. Jim is survived by his wife Susan, his two sons Jeffrey and Michael, and their wives Vanessa and Samantha. Jim was an example of the fact that it is never too late to make your dreams come true. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you respect Jim’s spirt of “Leaving a little on the table for the next guy” and pay it forward in the kindness of your own heart.