James Joel Filkins was born Nov. 24, 1940, in River Falls, Wis. to Clarence and Sybil Filkins. Jims’s dad Ginger owned a gas station and bulk fuel oil depot. When Ginger retired, Jim and his brother, Dan, took over the business and ran it for several years before selling it. He said, “it was a rare thing to be able to work with my dad and brother.”
His competitive spirit carried through in his “athletics!” Jim loved playing poker and blackjack. He was on several bowling teams as well as on golf teams, both in Wisconsin and Arizona. He hunted pheasants in River Falls, South Dakota and Iowa.
Jim served on the River Falls School Board for two terms. He also enjoyed elk hunts in Colorado. He served on boards as a member of the UCC church in River Falls. He was a Stephen Minister and Elder at the Church of the Master in Mesa, Ariz. Jim was a member of the River Falls Moose Lodge, American Legion, Masons and Treasurer of the Apache Wells Shrine club for many years. He devoted 21 years as a volunteer fireman on the River Falls Fire Dept.
He loved catching BIG walleyes in Canada. Jim also served with the Coast Guard. He was an avid Packer (recliner coach) fan! Jim and Marge enjoyed many cruises, several trips to Costa Rica and a trip to Switzerland with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marge; their daughter Lisa (Gordy) Grant, son Louie (Patti) Filkins, grandchildren Christina (Tony) Small, Danielle Jo (Matt) Robbins, Samuel Filkins, Gina Filkins, great-grandchildren (who called him Papa Great or just Great!) Brendan, Aliyana and Amiyah Small, sister-in-law Eunice Filkins, many nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Sybil Filkins, his brother Daniel Filkins and granddaughter, Tara Marie Grant.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at First Congregational Church (110 N. Third St.) in River Falls. Visitation was also held Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. A reception followed the service at the River Falls Golf Club. Memorials can be directed to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Interment will be held in the Spring of 2026.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
