James "Jim" Kramer

James J. “Jim” Kramer, age 94 of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Military honors will be by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls at a later date.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

James John Kramer was born October 13, 1929 in Melrose, Minnesota to Henry and Laura (Schiltz) Kramer. Jim graduated from Melrose High school where he was a proud member of the band and boy scouts. He served in the U.S. Army for 24 years and was able to be stationed all over the world as part of the Army Security Agency. Just a few of his duty assignments included Okinawa, Japan, Tehran, Iran, Ankara, Turkey, and Orleans, France. He was a Combat Veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the Army, he moved back to his home town of Melrose, Minnesota and worked for Jennie-O.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, and a Life Member of the  Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 and the Melrose American Legion Post 101. Jim’s interests included traveling the United States, fishing, and wood working. His favorite past time was Ham Radio. He was awarded many certificates for making radio contacts with other Ham Radio operators around the globe. His many jokes and his great sense of humor will be missed by all.

Survivors include his children, Terrance (Connie) Kramer of Saint Augustine, Florida, Tammy (Glen) Lane of Castle Hayne, North Carolina, and Tania (Mark) Snyder of Spring Lake, North Carolina; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Micky (Carol) Kramer of Melrose; sister-in-law, Peggy Kramer; and special companion, Erma Moorman.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Roy Kramer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.