Service Information
James “Jim” F. Huffman, age 95, of Gaylord passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. (2 hours prior) to the service, All at church.
Memorials preferred to goodgifts.elca.org. Click on Browse Popular gifts to select your gift choice.
Obituary
James “Jim” Franklin Huffman was born on May 9, 1930, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Thomas and Ruby (Mueller) Huffman. Jim received his education in Gaylord and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School class of 1948.
James was united in marriage to Evelyn Klucking on July 16, 1948, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord. Together they made their home on a farm south of Gaylord, where they built a life rooted in faith and family. Jim farmed and also worked at Pinske’s Meat Market, later operating a grass seeding business. He raised poultry, ducks, geese, and sold capons. Jim and Evelyn were blessed with three daughters, Cindy, Nancy and Stacy, and shared 66 years of marriage before Evelyn passed away on November 30, 2014. Jim was a member of American Lutheran Church.
Jim always enjoyed taking care of the farm place and gardening. He planted numerous apple trees, the most recent in the spring of 2025. He loved visiting with folks and being actively involved in the community. Jim served on the school board in earlier years. In his younger years, he was a talented athlete and played on the undefeated six-man football team. Jim was recently honored as Sibley East “Fan of the Year.” He enjoyed opportunities to travel to Montana and Maine and to Nome, Alaska, to see the Iditarod. In his most recent years, going to Stu's in Arlington for breakfast was his favorite way to start his days.
Jim passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia at the age of 95 years. Blessed be his memory.
Jim is survived by his:
Daughters, Cindy (Huffman) Gallea of Wykoff, MN, and
Stacy (Huffman) Gustafson and her husband, Jon of Belle Plaine, MN;
Son-in-law, Dick Milinkovich of New Prague, MN;
Grandchildren, Molly Milinkovich and significant other, Corey Grochow, Max Milinkovich and significant other, Jamie Westerman, Jim (Claire Danby) Gallea, Brian Gallea and significant other, Gracie Sartori, and Emily Gustafson;
Great-grandchildren, Eli Milinkovich, Robert Henry Wengler, Clara Elise Milinkovich, Jane Danby Gallea and William Danby Gallea;
Brothers, Austin Huffman and his wife, Kay of Walker, MN, and Thomas Huffman Jr. and his wife, Gloria of Plymouth, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his Parents, Thomas and Ruby Huffman; Wife, Evelyn Huffman; Daughter, Nancy (Huffman) Milinkovich; Sister, Gloria Sinell and her husband, Ivan, and Elizabeth Kuphal and her husband, Ervin; Brother, John Huffman and his wife, Geraldine.
Brent Kuphal says
Condolences and heart felt sympathies to your family.
Diane Dietz says
My deepest thoughts and prayers in the lost of Jim. I will miss seeing him mowing his huge yard this summer. RIP
Thomas G Williamson says
I remember many things about my beloved Uncle Jimmy. As a very young boy, we had BB Gun fights (Jimmy and Austin vs. Johnny, Tommy, and me) at Johnny’s farm place. Also, we could count on a good cut of meat from Pinske’s. We all grieved at Evelyn and Nancy’s passing. Sorry I can’t make the funeral, but sending my condolences to the family.
Amy mackenthun says
Deepest thoughts and prayers… I miss him on Thursdays for club cash at the ClubNY enjoying his root beer and plain chips. Always in with a smile. See ya later….
Thomas G Williamson says
Farewell to my beloved Uncle Jimmy. I remember as a boy having BB gun fights (Jimmy and Austin vs. Johnny, Tommy. and I) at Johnny’s farm place. Also, we knew we would get an honest cut of meat at Pinske’s if he was at the counter. He (and us) grieved the loss of Evelyn and Nancy. Of Grandpa Tom and Grandma Ruby’s brood. only Tommy and Austin remain. Sorry to miss the funeral, but my best to the family.
Kathy Ulrich says
I have fond memories of Jim and Evelyn – My parents owned Hank and Katies Cafe and Jim did come in there quite often and of course I knew Evelyn’s family the Klucking’s – Gaylord is small community and back in the day everyone knew everyone – one of the things I will always remember more recently is running into Jim at the grocery store and with a smirk he would ask if I was behaving and I always said of course I’m too old not to behave and he would chuckle
Kathy Ulrich says
I also give my sympathies to the family
Elmer vorlicek says
He is a great friend and was always willing to talk to you and help put a smile on your face and sorry for your loss