James “Jim” F. Huffman

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.