James “Jim” Harrison Musburger, 94

James “Jim” Harrison Musburger died March 1, 2025, in his apartment at Crystal Brook in Park Rapids, Minnesota, with Jill, Jim and Julie holding him close until the end. He was born July 15, 1930 in Bemidji, Minnesota to Elmer and Hazel (Isherwood) Musburger and grew up there with his five siblings. Jim graduated from Bemidji High School in 1948 and made school history when his basketball team won the state championship by defeating Hopkins in an era of one-class basketball. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and served two years at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and two years at Fort Belvoir in Arlington, Virginia. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Adeline Melhus, on July 20, 1951. Following his discharge from the Air Force, he received his teaching degree from Bemidji State Teachers College. Jim and Ad and their children moved to Strandquist, and later Karlstad, when he taught history, physical education and coached basketball for 25 years without a losing season. Following his retirement from teaching, he worked for the Driver and Vehicle Services in Bemidji until his retirement. Jim moved to Park Rapids in 2021 to be near family and gained an entire new family at Crystal Brook, an amazing senior living facility. His final words were gratitude for his family, friends and an amazing long life. He impacted everyone he met with his personality and zest for life. Survivors include his daughters, Jill (Deane) Johnson and Julie (Wade) Hoppe, and his son, Jim (Alice) Musburger, grandchildren Chelsey (Kara Thompson) Johnson, Nate Johnson, Dan (Ann) Johnson, Ben (Katie) Musburger, Sarah (Robert) Garcia, Ashlee (Nick) Herriges, Jared Hoppe, Molly (Tom) Kornkven, and great-grandchildren Ava, Addie, Aftyn, Leif, Jimmi, Claire, Harrison James, Jack and Beau, his brothers Jerry (Carol) and Jeff. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Adeline, his siblings and spouses, Zoe (Roy) Wright, Gloria (Spike) Gary, his brother Jack (Ann) and his sister-in-law, Becky Musburger.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 14, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.  Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the service at the church