James J. Tholkes

James Joseph Tholkes, age 83, of Mounds View, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2026.

He was born on March 12, 1943 in Minneapolis to Vincent and Ruth Tholkes. Jim was the beloved husband of Lesley with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He was a proud and devoted father to his children Jeffry and Kristine, and was blessed with grand children Timothy, Sarah and Elizabeth as well as great grand-children Lily and Bentley. Jim is survived by his brothers, John (Barb), Tom, David and sister, Louise, as well as nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by loving wife, Lesley; his parents, Vince and Ruth Tholkes and sister Carol Boyles.

As a child Jim grew up with his family in Northeast Minneapolis. After high school he enlisted in The United States Army where he proudly served from 1960- 1963 in Wildflecken, Germany. After discharge from the military he met and later married Lesley Poore. January 30, 1965 began a 61 year partnership of love, laughter, friendship, and family. He was a proud member of the American Legion where he coached baseball and football for several years.

Jim was a lifelong machinist with a passion for learning new technology and mentoring others. In the early 1980’s he took a break from machining. He decided to co-manage the Hardware Hank store in Columbia Heights, MN for 5 years with his dear friend Chuck Hall . This was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed and cherished. After his time in the hardware business, Jim returned to machining and he worked for and retired from RMS Inc. after nearly 30 years.

Jim, along with family and friends enjoyed countless outdoor activities throughout his life with fishing always being at the forefront. Jim was also an avid bowler. He and wife Lesley traveled the United States extensively for many years concentrating on National Parks and visiting distant family. Jim also enjoyed several fishing trips with friends and family to Ontario, Canada. He had a passion for football and was always a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. Jim would tackle any DIY project successfully and always helped others with theirs.

Known for his kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, compassion and outgoing personality, Jim had numerous lifelong friends who were part of the family. He was a true social butterfly who lit up any room he entered with just a smile. The door to his home was always open to family and friends. He was always available with a listening ear.

Jim led a life of honesty, integrity, hard work, devotion to family and friends as well as mentoring others. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was always there for any event involving family or friends.

Wherever he went, Jim had a way of making people laugh, smile and feel good about themselves. He was quick with a joke and always offered a strong shoulder to lean on when needed. One of a kind and once in a lifetime is the best way to describe Jim.

Enjoy a dance with your beautiful bride and rest in peace. Secure in the knowledge that you are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Things will be fine here, but they’ll never be the same.

Until we meet again…..