James "Jim" Leclair

James "Jim" LeClair, 77, Browns Valley, MN, passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 1, 2011, at the Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD.
Funeral services were Saturday, August 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley with Rev. Anna Williamson officiating. Music was provided by organist Neoma Ballhagen and vocalists Marcy LeClair and the Browns Valley Community Choir.
Burial will be at a later date. Military honors were provided by the William Krensing American Legion Post 58 of Browns Valley. Active urn bearers were Jim's grandchildren, Rachel Schmitz, Danielle LeClair, and Derek LeClair. Honorary urn bearers were Don Linhard, Donald Miller, Dennis Berneking, David Nigg, and David Vosberg.
Visitation was Friday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the church in Browns Valley.
James Lowell LeClair was born February 28, 1934, in Browns Valley to Francis and Laura (Kaufman) LeClair. Jim attended country school in rural Roberts County, SD. He served in the U.S. Navy from November 1954 to October 1958 aboard the USS William Seiverling.
Jim married Janet Schiefelbein of Browns Valley on January 3, 1959, and they had three children. Jim owned and operated Jim's Barber Shop in Browns Valley until 1976, when he purchased Valley Soft Water, which is still in operation today.
Jim was a member of the VFW and also served on the Browns Valley City Council.
Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, driving the old country roads in the hills, feeding the birds, complaining about the Twins and the Vikings and spending wonderful times with his family and friends . . . and Jim had many, many friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
Survivors include his wife, Janet of Browns Valley; three children, Mark (Valerie) LeClair of Barnesville, MN, Lynn (Dwayne) Peltier of Houma, LA, and Chad (Marcy) LeClair of Browns Valley; three grandchildren, Rachel (Chuck) Schmitz, Danielle LeClair (fiancé Michael Holland), and Derek LeClair; four great-grandchildren, Dylan, Jaycob, Cody, and Michael; a brother, Vernell (Junice) LeClair of Browns Valley; two sisters, Marlys (Harry) Ziemer and Sandra (Raymond) Birchem both of Browns Valley; a brother-in-law, Mike (Shirley) Holland of West Fargo, ND; and two sisters-in-law, Patricia LeClair of Browns Valley and Vera Schiefelbein of Pierre, SD. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.
Jim was preceded in death by parents, Francis and Laura; two brothers, Dwain (Ardyce) LeClair and Francis Jr. "Fritz" LeClair; and a brother-in-law, Perry Schiefelbein.