James Frederick Hawkins

James “Jim” Frederick Hawkins Jr, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Lake City Care Center in Lake City Minnesota, after a short illness.

Born in Hibbing, Minnesota on May 24, 1947, the oldest son of James Sr. and Earline (Pew) Hawkins, Jim and his family lived a somewhat nomadic life full of adventure. They always seemed to return to Minnesota in the end.

Jim served his country briefly in the US Marine Corp. A welder by trade, he traveled the country where he worked on numerous job sites/builds. One of his most notable jobs was helping to build the United States Steel iron ore plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. He retired in 2009, from McNeilus Manufacturing in Dodge Center, Minnesota.

Jim was a man of simple pleasures. He found joy in fishing and enjoyed the occasional excursion to the casino. His greatest pride and joy, however, was his family.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (James) Woodman of Nashwauk MN; son, Timothy (Holly) Hawkins of Rochester, MN; grandchildren, Nicole Woodman (Paden) of Pengilly MN, Cody Woodman (Alyca) of Nashwauk, MN, Jacob Hawkins (Ahna) of Circle Pines, MN, Jennah Hawkins, and Jaden Hawkins of Rochester, MN. Jim is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Elliana, Adley, Chase, Quinnleigh and Walker; surviving siblings include, sister, Welma (Dennis) Johnson, and brothers, Chuck and Jeff.

In addition to his parents, preceding Jim in death were his sisters, Margaret, Marlene, Susan and brother William.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s campus, as well as Lake City Care Center for their kind and compassionate care during Jim’s last days.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN. Family and friends alike are invited to come and share in the memories and love that is his legacy.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.