James Lynn Edman was born February 8, 1924 in Alvarado, Minnesota, the son of Gustave and Marie (Sylvander) Edman. He grew up on a farm near Alvarado and graduated from Alvarado High School. Jim went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1951. On June 18, 1949, Jim was united in marriage to Norma Ruth Fering in Alvarado by Rev. Eikeland. The couple was blessed with four children and 62 years of marriage. After college, Jim taught agriculture at Evansville High School until 1953, when they moved to Benson because he took the job as Swift County Extension Director. In 1984, Jim retired after serving 31 years. He was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church and served as Church President, Council member, Usher and Sunday School Teacher. He served on the Swift County Benson Hospital Board and was chairman for many years. He was also on the Benson Golf Club Board, the Pioneer Public Television Board of Directors, and served as President and Secretary of Kiwanis. He served as Secretary and President of the Minnesota County Agriculture Agents Association. Jim was Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and wrote a weekly column "News & Views" for the Swift County Monitor News and the West Central Tribune. Jim was called from this life on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. He attained the age of 87 years, 11 months and 23 days. Through the years, Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting their rustic cabin on Bass Lake, golfing, gardening, spending winters in Arizona, and driving through the county looking at the crops. He had many fond memories of his years working with the 4-H families and enjoyed visiting with everyone. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He was always so very thankful for his wonderful life and felt truly blessed. Jim is survived by his wife Norma of Benson; children: Timothy (Laura) Edman of Stillwater, Beth (Jon) Luikart of Bourbonnais, IL, Mary (Scott) Eckhoff of Glencoe, and Peggy (Kevin) Bausman of Benson; twelve grandchildren: Marta Edman, Andrew Edman, Jay (Kris) Luikart, Paul (Kristen) Luikart, Emily (Isak) Stolen, Matthew Eckhoff, Thomas Eckhoff, Daniel Eckhoff, Paul Eckhoff, Molly (Jared) Weismantel, Anne Bausman & Rachel Bausman; three great grandchildren: Natalie Luikart, Noah and Alyssa Luikart; brothers: Robert Edman and Mark Edman, both of Alvarado; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were an infant son, Severin Lee, in 1952; his parents; brothers: John, Paul, Neal and Philip Edman; and sisters: Carol Ranstrom and Ruth Tatter.
