James Nee

James Joseph Nee died unexpectedly on September 1st, 2025, at his residence in Burnsville, MN. He was only 69 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden passing.

Jim is survived and missed by his loving wife Kathy (née Haskill) of 31 years; and his children, Alex (Nicki) and Theresa, as well as his Step-Sons Ben (Amy) and Stephen (Amanda). He will live on through his seven grandchildren: Nolan, Nora, Keegan, Natalie, Callie, Grace, and Willow; and he will be forever cherished and remembered by his siblings and their families; Jack (Candy), Nancy, Marianne, Rich (Mary), and Margaret. Jim was predeceased by his father, John, and his mother, Jean.

Jim was born on September 28th, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. After high school he moved to Holland, Michigan for work opportunities and subsequently to Fennville, Michigan to start a family. It was in Fennville that he later met Kathy. Jim and Kathy lovingly blended their families in July of 1994 into their long-time home in Saugatuck, Michigan. Jim was a man of many hobbies. In no particular order, he was a fly-fisherman, cyclist, canoe builder, hiker, camper, ping-pong player, swimmer, motorcyclist, pilot, music lover, and sailboat Captain.

He was forever curious. A problem solver and avid reader, a lifelong learner, Spanish language student, Sudoku specialist and seeker of new experiences. He was a prodigious traveler, an adventurer and renaissance man. On small vessels, he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on three separate occasions, once as crew and twice as Captain.

He was a role model, a hard worker, a provider, a sounding board, a storyteller, and quick to make new friends. Above all he was a loving husband, father, and family man.

Jim never missed his early morning coffee. His time-honored traditions included Monday night poker games, Wednesday night dinner with friends, Sunday morning phone calls with his mom, Wheatland Music Festival, family vacations to beautiful Lake Thompson in Rhinelander, WI and Canadian canoe trips with his brother and son.

He enjoyed reading about history and watching the Chicago Bears on Sundays. He often attempted crossword puzzles in the newspaper and recently taught himself how to solve a Rubik's Cube. He was always the source of a good story or joke, often more than once. He never met a knot he couldn't tie and spent years perfecting his famous apple-cranberry pie.

Jim was a man of principle that stood up for what he believed in. He made a point to be helpful to those around him and was well-loved as a good neighbor and friend for the people lucky enough to make his acquaintance.

Words cannot express how grateful we are to his neighbors at Nicolette Plaza who quickly responded to Jim's urgent need for care. Also, to the Burnsville EMTs, Firefighters, and to the Medical Staff of Fairview Southdale Hospital for doing everything within their power to keep him with us. Additionally, our eternal thanks go out to Advent Health in Orlando, Florida for the initial Fabry Disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Mayo Clinic for their support in allowing Jim to participate in the furthering of medical knowledge as it relates to Fabry Disease and other genetic diseases. We are all in your debt.

In the spirit of Jim, who loved Life, we will be gathering to celebrate his awesome life in the near future. Location and timing of his celebration, TBD.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

· National Fabry Disease Foundation (https://www.fabrydisease.org/). The organization's mission is to identify, educate, and support patients living with Fabry Disease, and their families.

· National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) (https://rarediseases.org/) whose purpose is to improve the lives of those who experience rare disorders through elevating care, advancement of research, and financial advocacy for patients.