James W. “Jim” Litch

James “Jim” Litch, age 83, of Glyndon, MN, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo.

James William Litch was born on August 19,1934, in Gaylord, MN, to Clarence and Augusta (Carlson) Litch.  Jim grew up in Morton, MN, before moving with his family to Willmar, MN.  He graduated from Willmar High School in 1952 where he excelled in baseball and achieved Eagle Scout status.  After high school, Jim went to college at St. Cloud State University.  During his college years, he met the love of his life, Pauline (Erickson) and they were married at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar.  They moved to St. Cloud where Jim received a bachelor’s degree in education from SCSU.  Together they moved to Glyndon, MN, where Jim worked at the Glyndon High School for 20 years teaching biology and science, and was the baseball coach and athletic director.  He also was involved with baseball as a player, manager and fan all his life.  In addition, he refereed basketball games for many years.  He retired from teaching in 1980 and started Valley Hardwood Supply.  He worked there for over 20 years before retiring.

Jim loved spending time with his family and golden retrievers.  He was passionate about hunting, trapping, and fishing.  He loved being outdoors and sharing these experiences with his children.  He was also active with the local Rod and Gun Club and Boy Scout programs.  He was an avid reader of The Forum and Star Tribune and kept himself informed on MN sports.

Jim is survived by his wife Pauline; sons Mike (Karla), Mark (Sharon), Don (Kay), and daughter Kathryn; seven grandchildren Danica (Tyler), Brian, Allison (Tom), Kalena, Kaylee, Jessica, and Landon; two great-grandchildren Colton and Brooklynn; brother John Litch and sisters Karen “Susie” Kearns, Joan McCoy and Mary (Steve) Hannes; sisters-in-law Betty Larson and Dorothy Johnson; plus many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Augusta; and brothers-in-law Richard Larson, Bill Fritz, and Gene Johnson.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11am at Glyndon Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be on Friday, April 20, from 5-7pm at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Glyndon on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018, at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the DGF baseball program or the Glyndon Lutheran Church.