James P. Fox

JAMES PERCY FOX, age 97 of Owatonna, formerly of Waseca died on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.

Born on December 15, 1920 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of L.H and Martha (Schippel) Fox.  He graduated from Waseca High School in 1939 and graduated from the MN School of Business.   After college, he joined his father, L.H. Fox as an auto dealer.  Jim was a Chrysler Dealer in Waseca for 40 years before retiring in 1980.  He enjoyed his retirement years with family and friends.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy during WWII at various Naval Air Stations.  Jim married Elaine R. Beise, a Waseca school teacher on June 28, 1947 in Lester Prairie. 

At the time of his business career, he was an active member and officer of many civic organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Waseca Savings & Loan.  He was also a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Lakeside Club, American Legion, Waseca Area Senior Citizens, Historical Society, and Comanche Airplane Flying Society and Sugar Lake Association. 

At age 47, Jim assumed a life ambition to fly an airplane.  His first lesson was August 8, 1966 and in 1970 he had a pilot’s license with an instrument rating and owned an airplane.  The Fox family enjoyed summers at their cabin on Sugar Lake in Maple Lake.  Elaine and Jim flew country wide for business and pleasure to many destinations and events.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Owatonna; son, James (Robin) Fox of Minnetonka; daughters, Jane (Gary) Lohmeyer of Olivia and Karen (Tom) Partridge of Mankato; grandchildren, Jason (Emily) Fox, Emily (Ben) Sellin, Alicia (Joe) Pavelko, David Lohmeyer, Heather (Jesse) Kemp, and Amanda Partridge; and six great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Kathy Lynn; and brother, Stanley (Ruth) Fox.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. John Omans officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, one hour before services at the church.  Private family burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. 

Memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.

To send condolences to the family click here.