Jim Stocker

James John Stocker entered his eternal rest with his personal Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 24th, 2026. His loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Carol, was by his side. Jim passed away at Meadow Lakes Senior Living Memory Care in Rochester.

Born June 2, 1939, in Minneapolis, Jim was adopted by Fred and Elsie Stocker in 1943 in Sandborn, Minnesota. He moved with his family to Rochester in 1953 and attended Rochester High School. He was an avid boxer, competing with several area boxing clubs and reaching the finals in the Golden Gloves competition in 1958.

Jim married Carol Kuhfuss on September 30, 1961, and together they raised two sons, Michael and Scott. He began his military career with the Minnesota National Guard and continued his service with the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1980. During his naval career, he continued boxing and earned the All-Navy Featherweight Championship in 1967.

Jim served in military posts in Long Beach, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Great Lakes, Illinois; and Jacksonville, Florida. He completed two tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy, Jim worked in security for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida and also as a courier for Disons Cleaners in Rochester. Jim enjoyed time at the gun range, selling and trading guns, Western books and movies, bluegrass music, and-always-coffee and ice cream. He had a quiet and steady way about him. He was a long-time attendee at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carol; sons Michael (Jodi) Stocker of Davenport, Iowa, and Scott Stocker of Phoenix, Arizona; brother John (Linda) Stocker of Colorado; and brother Joel (Donna) Stocker of Wisconsin, currently wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. He is also survived by in-laws Ted and Pat Buluga of Kasson and Kim and Barbara Kuhfuss of Burnsville.

He leaves behind three grandchildren: Tony (Miranda) Stocker of Iowa; Andrew (Avia) Stocker of North Carolina; and Alissa Stocker of Georgia; along with six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends special thanks to the caring staff at Meadow Lakes Senior Living Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their dedicated service during Jim's final days.

Ranfranz & Vine Funeral home is handling all arrangements on Saturday, January 31st.

10:30 Graveside burial with military honors at Grandview Memorial Gardens

1:00 Visitation will be held at Ranfranz & Vine

2:00 Funeral service at Ranfranz & Vine with light luncheon to follow

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