James F. Wambach, age 85, of Mahnomen, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 11, 2018.

James Francis Wambach was born on July 31, 1933, in Mahnomen, MN, to Andrew "AJ" and Magdalena "Lena" (Kochmann) Wambach, the youngest of six children.  Jim spent his youth on the farm near Waubun, MN, working, trapping, and hunting with his siblings, until they sold the farm and moved to town when he was a teenager.  He attended Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, where he played sports and graduated in 1950 before attending advanced courses.  Jim then moved to the Twin Cities where he worked for Rothschild's clothing store, followed by a move to Duluth, MN, where he worked as an attorney's investigator.  Jim began his 44-year career in the insurance business when he bought the Bemidji, MN, office of Erickson and Braun Insurance Adjusting in 1967, which he later renamed Great Northern Claims.  He spent many years in Bemidji and spoke fondly of his time there raising his children, gatherings at the Elks Club, talking salvaged cars at Huderle's Auto Repair, taking hunting trips with his longtime friend, Art Davis, the good times at deer camp in Grand Rapids, MN, and the winters spent pulling his daughter and grandkids on sleds behind his 1969 GMC truck, Big Red.  His dining room table was famous as both the place where he worked and the place where he told his stories, creating many memories that will forever be treasured.

Jim was independent and a straight shooter, often amusing those around him with his impatient streak.  He was also an honest, respected, and fun-loving man who took great joy in making those around him laugh.  His jokes were legendary, especially the one about the woman eating at the restaurant, which never failed to make his grandkids laugh regardless of how many times they heard it.  Jim often said the greatest joys in his life came from his children.  He instilled a great love of history and mysteries in his family, frequently conversing with them about everything from ancient civilizations to his own family's origins in Germany, as well as any strange phenomena that occurred throughout the ages.  This endless curiosity endured throughout his life and was one of his most endearing traits. His knowledge and interest in the past are shared by those who survive him, thanks to countless conversations over Thanksgiving dinner and the many trips across the US and Mexico he took with his children.  Jim loved to travel, and it meant so much to him to share that with his kids.  Whether it was taking Erin to California, seeing Chichen Itza with Jason, exploring the Hoh Rainforest in Washington with Todd, or going to the Grand Canyon with Greg, Jim reveled in this family time and any opportunity that allowed him to backseat drive.  Some of his favorite destinations were San Antonio, TX, and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, which he considered paradise.  Jim made an impression on everyone who knew him. His wit, charm, views on life, the sound of his voice, and the very presence of his company will be sorely missed.

Jim is survived by his brother, Andy Wambach of Mahnomen; four children: Greg Wambach of Lone Rock, WI, Todd (Erin Ryan) Wambach of St. Paul, MN, Jason (Justine) Wambach of Ogema, MN, and Erin Wambach-Holgate also of St. Paul; six grandchildren: Sarah (Evan Dieter), Michael (Melissa), Grady, Griffin, and Quinn Wambach, and Bailey Holgate; two great-grandchildren, Magdalene Gschwind and Xavier Wambach; his former wife, Sandra Perreault of Coon Rapids, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, AJ and Lena; siblings: Jack and Wally Wambach, Barbara Schlick, Marie O'Connell and their spouses; and his son, Christopher Wambach, in 1985.  Per Jim's wishes, he will be laid to rest beside Christopher.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will take place at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, Wednesday, August 15, 2018, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. and one-hour prior at the church. Burial will be held in St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery.