James Randolph

James Bayliss Randolph, 84, of Rochester, died Friday, April 17, 2026, at Rochester Rehabilitation Center from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Born on June 26, 1941, in Ipswich, MA, he was the son of the late Harriet and Carl Randolph. When Jim was a young boy the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was raised and graduated in 1959 from Jefferson Senior High School.

Jim attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1964. On Feb. 21, 1965, he married Judith Ann Gunnerson in Ames, Iowa, beginning their great adventure together. They escaped Iowa shortly thereafter, only to find themselves in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Jim was stationed as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Jim served his county and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1970 with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Jim and Judy moved from Fairbanks to Columbia, Missouri, where Jim obtained his Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1968. He was then hired as an engineer with IBM, bringing the family to Rochester. Jim worked for IBM for more than 30 years, finally leaving the Blue Zoo to take early retirement.

Excited to start a family, Jim and Judy were blessed with their son Mark, who was born in 1968. He was followed by their daughter Chris, born in 1970, and on the third try they were finally blessed with a child who willingly followed directions when in 1976 their daughter Jill was born.

Jim was a loving husband, father, engineer, carpenter, artist and a historian, among other things. He built a beautiful home for his family that was filled with his incredible woodwork, where he and Judy raised the children. He had a nearly-encyclopedic memory and was unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit, even when his wife and children formed one team and Jim alone was on the other. The family eventually switched to annual Yahtzee tournaments during Christmastime, when they were finally able to beat him since Yahtzee requires very little actual skill or knowledge.

Sweethearts and best friends, Jim and Judy cooked, travelled and gardened together after his retirement. They were dedicated to each other and took care of one another, and we know they will be reunited in joy sometime soon.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy Randolph; children, Mark Randolph, Chris Randolph and Jill Bergerson; son-in-law Brad Bergerson; and granddaughters Audie Velagapudi and Maddy Randolph.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Randolph, father, Carl Randolph, and brothers Tom and Dave Randolph.

Jim's celebration of life will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, 55901. Jim's family invites you to join them for a meal of messy barbecue, just the way he'd like it, and share your favorite memories.

Husband, father and grandfather, we love you forever and will see you soon.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Randolph family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.