James "Jimbob" Goodwin, age 30 of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, April 2, 2011 in Shakopee, MN.

James Anthony Goodwin was born December 30, 1980 in Mahnomen, the son of Kathy Wadena and Nick Goodwin. Growing up, he attended school in Naytahwaush and Mahnomen. Following his schooling, James worked at the Shooting Star Casino as a server. While living in the Shakopee area, James met the love of his life, Shannen McPherson. They made their home in Shakopee where he worked construction and also at Canterbury Park. Together they were blessed with two children. Jimbob and Shannen returned to the Mahnomen area in 2010.

Spending time with his family, especially his children, nieces and nephews was important to him. James was happy all the time and always had a smile on his face. He had quite a sense of humor and liked raising heck with anyone he could. One of his favorite pastimes was horse racing either at the track or on television. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.


James is survived by his significant other, Shannen McPherson, Mahnomen; children: Cameron Keezer, Detroit Lakes, MN, Kayden and Kaylein Goodwin, both of Mahnomen; his parents, Kathy Wadena and Nick Goodwin, Mahnomen; his sister, Angela (Gene) Goodwin, Minneapolis, MN; brothers, Andrew (Sherry) Goodwin, Naytahwaush and Aaron (Jodie) Goodwin, Mahnomen; grandmothers, Avonelle Sargent, Naytahwaush and Lois Jacobs, Bagley, MN. James is also survived by many aunts; uncles; cousins; six nieces and ten nephews which includes Isaiah and Elijiah Goodwin who were as special as sons to him.

Preceding James in death are his grandfather, Everett Goodwin; aunts: Elsie Yost, Lois Brown, and Janelle Sargent; uncles: Daniel Goodwin, James Goodwin, Everett Goodwin Jr., Brian Sargent and John Goodwin.


Funeral Services were held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2 pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. Officiants were Don Goodwin and Duane Goodwin. Special music was provided by the drum group, Eagle Spirit. Pallbearers were Mike Turner Jr., Brian Sargent Jr., Jed Doro, Cory Burnette, Gene Lumbar and Dallas Quinn Sr. Honorary pallbearers were all of James' nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and classmates. Visitation began Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 5 pm, with a wake service at 7 pm and continued until the time of the funeral on Thursday all at the sports complex.

Burial was at Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.