James Russell Erikson, 89, died on January 23, 2014 at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN.
He was born at home in rural Fertile, Polk County, on March 5, 1924, to Herman and Elma (Erickson ) Erikson. James grew up and attended Nelson Country School, District #70, in his home. After graduation from grade school, James attended Northwest School of Agriculture, he graduated in 1942.
James farmed with his father until he purchased the farm. This farm was homesteaded by James' grandparents who emigrated from Sweden. When he started farming, they used horses; then in the 1930s, bought a GP John Deere with steel wheels. In 1940, they bought an H John Deere and, in 1948, they bought their first John Deere combine. James also did custom corn picking for area farmers. He had a herd of Hereford cattle he took pride in. For many years, James sold Pioneer Corn seed to area farmers.
In 1956, James traveled to Norway and Sweden, visiting relatives in Sweden. In 1973, he traveled to Germany, where James purchased a Mercedes car and travel to Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. He shipped the car back home and still owns the car. James also took many trips throughout the United States with the Farm Union bus tours. In 1980, James designed a home and had it built on the farm. He retired from farming in 1990, and planted apple trees and made a container garden. He continued to live on the farm until entering the Fair Meadow Nursing Home. In December of 2013, James received salvation and requested to be baptized.
James traveled to Alaska 16 times to fish salmon and halibut and, sometimes, hunted moose. Tony Jagol and he canned salmon in pint and quart jars to bring home. He had the opportunity to fish in the Baltic Sea, off Virgin Island, Mexico, Canada and in Minnesota. One of his favorite lakes was Pike Lake, where he got his largest walleye. James hunted pheasants in South Dakota, Nebraska and here. He always hunted duck and goose, as well as, deer in the area. Several times, James hunted moose in Canada for many years with friends. He had spent time canoeing in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. James was an easy person to visit with, had a great sense of humor and was a friend to many.
James was a lifetime member of the International Order of Good Temples. He was active in Farmers Union, he served on the Garfield Township Board for many years, volunteer at Sr. Meals, Sr. Club, and Fair Meadow Nursing Home. He served on Southside Cemetery board as president. He was an avid collector of fox figurines.
James is survived by two sisters: Glendora Ficken and Betty Floan, both of Fertile; nephews: Art (Eileen) Gundell, Bob (Beverly) Gundell, Wayne (Karen) Floan, and Brian(Pam) Floan; nieces: Wanda (Kenny) Visser, Brenda (Steve) Johnson, and Julie Rensland and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Elma, niece Judy Reinke and nephew Bert Floan.

Memorial service 2:00pm Monday, January 27, 2014 at Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the funeral home.

Inurnment: South Side Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.