James “Jim” Alton Erie, age 83, of Redwood Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at the River Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Redwood Falls. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls, MN with burial to follow at the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:00 am on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.  Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan.

Jim was born on June 9, 1938 to Alton and Marie (Daby) Erie in Clarkfield, MN. He graduated from Granite Falls High School and went on to attend Mankato State University where he met his future bride, Barbara Nylander. He graduated from MSU in 1960 with a business degree and married Barb in 1961 at Granite Falls Lutheran Church. They moved to Redwood Falls in 1965, where he assumed responsibility for the Prudential Insurance field office. During his distinguished fifty-three-year career, he achieved numerous awards for sales and customer service excellence. Jim was an avid sports fan and an active leader within the Redwood Falls community—serving as a member of the Lions Club, and as a former member of the Redwood Falls Hospital Board. Additionally, he was also an active member and former president of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Jim is survived by his wife Barb; sons, Mark (Lee Ann) of St. Cloud, MN, Steven of Mesa, AZ, and Scott of Richfield, MN; daughter, Kristin (Scott Smith) of Yuma, AZ; and 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.