James "Jim" Allen Fox was born on November 6, 1946, in Heron Lake, Minnesota to the late Paul George and Adeline Rosella (Amundson) Fox. He received his education in the Lakefield Public Schools; graduating in the Class of 1964. He then furthered his education at Iowa Lakes Community College where he received his Associate of Arts Degree. Jim enlisted in the United States Army on December 8, 1965 and served two years in Germany in the 4th Battalion, 41st Artillery. He then enlisted in the National Guard on November 21, 1967 and retired on November 30, 2001 having served 28 years throughout this time from the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery in New Ulm. He gained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Jim was a Field Artillery Surveyor and Cannon Crewman. He received several awards including, Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve and Army Achievement Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievement and Army Commendation Medals, Army Service, Overseas Service and NCO Professional Development Ribbons before being honorably discharged. In 1968, Jim was united in marriage to Judy Powell and this marriage was later dissolved. In 1978, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Baker and this marriage was later dissolved. For thirty-seven years, Jim worked for MNDOT as an Engineering Specialist. Through the years with MNDOT, he lived in St. Cloud, Lakefield and finally Fish Lake in rural Windom. Jim was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield for many years. Jim is survived by his son, Tracy Powell of Arlington, TX; two sisters, Teri Anderson of Sanford, FL and Paulette Whiteford of Windom; only surviving aunt, Gay Flom of Apple Valley; stepsons, Bill and Boyd Baker; and several nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dennis Whiteford; and nephew, Brach Barber.